Migrating bird mistakes Tiree for Tijuana

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, wildlife experts say.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 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 25 September 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."