BIRDWATCHERS investigated reports of an extremely rare sighting in Suffolk yesterday - that of a lesser kestrel.Enthusiasts arrived at RSPB Minsmere on Sunday after several possible sightings were reported.
BIRDWATCHERS investigated reports of an extremely rare sighting in Suffolk yesterday - that of a lesser kestrel.
Enthusiasts arrived at RSPB Minsmere on Sunday after several possible sightings were reported.
The lesser kestrel is so rarely seen in this country that less than 20 accepted records exist.
Experts and enthusiasts were hesitant in confirming whether one had visited the region for the very first time.
Ian Barthorpe, marketing and publicity officer for RPSB Suffolk Coast, said: 'The lesser kestrel very rarely overshoots Southern Europe in spring and in most cases sightings will turn out to be of the common variety.
'It is extremely uncommon and there are very few accepted records, with more claims than official sightings being made.'
'If it is a lesser kestrel it would be an exceptionally rare record for Suffolk.'
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