Last week it was reported that an avocet was spotted in the RSPB's Window on Wildlife Site in Belfast Lough.
The avocet is a wading bird, and I have popped a picture below.
They have a curved beak like a set of curved tweezers (right?).
They use this to feed on insects and their larvae, crustaceans and worms.
But why is the bird being present in Belfast Lough interesting?
It is because the avocet rarely visits this part of the world.
The screams of excited local birders would be heard from a mile away.
It is normally seen along the southeast coast of England.
In England, the avocet disappeared but was brought back through conservation efforts by the RSPB in the 1940s.
You will also recognise the bird from the RSPB logo.
 As to why the avocet was found in Belfast?
It is known as a vagrant (thank you @ecology_adam).
This is a phenomenon in biology whereby an individual animal (usually a bird) appears well outside its normal range.
Maybe this is what the excitement of birding is all about?
NewsletterÂ
Feel free to sign up to my weekly newsletter and you will receive information like this every Friday morning! Sign up here.
Podcasts
Listen to the Coastal Catch Ups Podcast Series here.
Comentários