Twitchers flock to Corton to view bird

A DISTINCTIVE visitor provided a rare treat for twitchers this week as it descended on Lowestoft.Birdwatchers from across Norfolk and Suffolk converged on the old sewage works at Corton, on Monday, after a local enthusiast found a Hoopoe.

A DISTINCTIVE visitor provided a rare treat for twitchers this week as it descended on Lowestoft.

Birdwatchers from across Norfolk and Suffolk converged on the old sewage works at Corton, on Monday, after a local enthusiast found a Hoopoe.

The resplendent, colourful Hoopoe is widespread in Europe, Asia, and North Africa and it's notable for a distinctive crown of feathers.

The Hoopoe was found feeding along the cliff top fields and was recognisable with its orangey-pink crest with black and white wings and a downturned long bill

As a breeding bird in continental Europe, the Hoopoe - according to enthusiasts - is a very rare visitor to the UK usually arriving along the east coast after overshooting from it's wintering grounds in Africa.

Lowestoft naturalist and Journal columnist Colin Jacobs said: 'The bird is a very rare passage migrant and there are hardly any records for Suffolk and Lowestoft in particular.'

He added that the bird had plenty to feed on and will probably re-locate itself back to the continent.

'It was a great opportunity for many birdwatchers in Lowestoft to get good long views of the bird and add it to their life lists,' Mr Jacobs said.