A FLOCK of rare little egrets has put local birdwatchers in a flutter at Newnham.
The pure white heron-like birds are closely associated with warmer climes and are frequently seen by holiday-makers enjoying the sunshine on the Mediterranean.
But one turned up on the sandbanks between Newnham and Broadoak three weeks ago – and has since been joined at various times by up to six more.
Up to 20 years ago they were considered a British rarity – a sighting would send twitchers the length of the country to catch a glimpse.
But they have since become more common along the south coast.
RSPB spokesman Grahame Madge told the Review the birds were still highly unusual to find.
"They are certainly not easy to find and it was not until the late 1990s a breeding pair was reported at Poole Harbour," he said.
"They are fascinating to look at – rather an exotic bird and a welcome addition. They appear to be spreading north and one opinion is that it is an indication of global warming," he said.
Local RSPB warden Ivan Proctor said the birds were still a Severn rarity but were spreading from the south of England.
"It is a success story in contrast to the decline of farmland birds and we hope their numbers will continue to increase," he said.