Birdwatchers were astounded to
see a rare bird for the first-ever time at a Barnes wetland centre on the Bank
Holiday weekend.
Eagle-eyed ornithologists spotted
the seldom-seen Little Bittern at the London Wetland Centre last weekend, which
is normally found in southern European climes.
The small wading bird is among
the smallest of the heron species, with the male exhibiting a ‘splendid
orangey-red beak’.
Reserve manager Joe Davison said
the most likely explanation was that unusually hot weather had altered the
bird’s normal migration course.
Mr Davison said: “It’s caused
quite a stir and we hope it continues to stay around for a few more days.
“The Little Bittern is an
incredibly rare sighting and is seldom spotted north of its breeding grounds in
southern Europe and Africa so it’s even more exciting that this is the first
time it has been spotted here at London Wetland Centre."
Other sightings in May included
the first of the orchids that have come into flower including Southern Marsh
Orchids and Bee Orchids, a pair of Kingfishers, Shelducks and Sand Martins.
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