Twitchers hit Scilly Isles after rare warbler sighting
Hundreds of birdwatchers have flocked to the Scilly Isles to catch a glimpse of the Sykes's warbler, one of Britain's rarest visitor, the Times reported on Wednesday.
"Twitchers" descended upon the island of Tresco after the small brown bird was spotted on waste land late Friday.
More than 300 enthusiasts had arrived by Saturday, with hundreds set to follow, according to the report.
It is only the ninth recorded sighting in Britain since 1970 and is especially unusual as the bird is meant to be in transit from the Arabian Peninsula to Sri Lanka at this time of year.
It is thought the bird may have been blown off course as the islands, 22 miles off Land's End, frequently play host to wayward migrants.
Dick Filby, a keen twitcher from Norwich, spotted the warbler during his annual birdwatching pilgrimage to the islands.
"It is definitely one of the rarest birds I have ever found," the 54-year-old told the Times.
"As soon as I realised what it was, I became excited. It will probably be the only opportunity I have to see one," he added.
(c) 2012 AFP
