Twitchers rushed to an Oxfordshire village Monday to catch sight of a rare bird. Crowds flocked to Wantage to observe a nocturnal common nighthawk spotted this morning perched on a garden fence.
According to ecologist and bird-watcher James Hanlon there have only been a handful of records of the North American species in the UK. He explains: "Further crowds from around the country are expected until the bird flies, expected to be just before dusk tonight."
There was also excitement in the birding community.Twitcher Simon Bradfield wrote online: "Saw the news...thought about going after work...then sorted out my priorities and dropped everything! Incredible views."
A nocturnal bird within the nightjar family, the species is typically dark in colour, displaying cryptic colouration and intricate patterns, making it difficult to spot with the naked eye during the day.
