A yellow warbler from North America, an extremely rare visitor to Britain, is attracting birdwatchers from around the country to Ken
© Gareth Fuller/PAA yellow warbler from North America, an extremely rare visitor to Britain, is attracting birdwatchers from around the country to Ken
Enthusiasts from across the UK have been descending on Kent this festive season, drawn by the rare sighting of an American bird. Spotted for the first time on Christmas Eve near Maidstone in New Hythe, the American yellow warbler has caused quite a stir among the birdwatching community.

The warbler, an "extremely rare visitor to Britain and Ireland" as described by the British Trust for Ornithology, attracted dozens more spectators on Monday when it was seen perching in an alder tree. Austin Morley, a wildlife and bird blogger, shared his experience on social media, recalling how the elusive bird made his group wait almost five hours before showing itself.

His Facebook post read: "Sensational day in Kent yesterday, with prolonged point blank views of the American yellow warbler at New Hythe and the scops owl at Broadstairs. No better way to end the birding year."


Yellow Warbler range map by ABC
Yellow Warbler range map by the American Bird Conservancy.
Another avid birdwatcher, Neville Smith, took to Facebook to express his joy at spotting the distinctive bird on Christmas Eve, detailing its bright yellow plumage and striking black eyes. He commented: "An unexpected surprise just in time for the festive season, I could not have asked for a better gift than to see a mega so close to home and at Christmas and one more new bird to end a great memorable birding year."

He added: "It was constantly on show and when it showed in the sun it appeared bright yellow with a bold black eye. A very distinctive bird when seen well."

Hundreds of twitchers flocked to see the visitor. Colin Green shared on Friday: "It kept the 400 or so birders waiting but finally showed itself just after midday, sadly no images but great views."