Tiny US warbler blown onto Hebridean island

A tiny bird usually seen in the United States has been spotted on a remote Scottish island after being blown off course during its migration.

By The Newsroom

Published 13th Oct 2010, 22:58 BST

The RSPB said the northern parula, which is smaller than a blue tit, must have been blown to the Inner Hebridean island of Tiree by strong westerly winds during its migration to Central America.

It touched down on September 25 in the garden of local RSPB Scotland officer John Bowler, who has planted native trees to attract such migrant birds.

It is the first ever Scottish sighting of the brightly coloured warbler, which has been recorded previously in England and Northern Ireland.

Mr Bowler said: "The northern parula is such a beautiful bird, it's been a real treat to have it as a visitor on Tiree.

"It caused quite a stir among twitchers, and we've had about 75 people come to the island just to get a glimpse of it, which has been great for the local economy.

"It's actually the first major twitch we've ever had on Tiree, so we've had two firsts!"