Rare bird spotted in Bexley nature reserve

Birdwatchers flocked to a nature reserve after a rare bird had been spotted nesting in the trees.

Visitors to the Crossness Nature Reserve managed to catch a glimpse of the Penduline Tit, a bird which is very rarely seen in the UK.

Ex-Mercury photographer Magnus Andersson had been trying to find the bird for two days when it appeared and he managed to take some photographs of the bird.

Magnus, who is also a wildlife enthusiast and member of the Friends of Crossness Nature Reserve scheme, said: “It’s always exciting to spot rare birds and it’s fantastic to be able to photograph a Penduline Tit visiting the UK.

“The Penduline Tit has a very distinct call and we use an app that can call back.

The bird replied immediately and we knew it was there. It was jubilation all round.”

The bird has been seen on a number of occasions from viewing screens near the Island Field lagoons.

Karen Sutton, Thames Water’s biodiversity team manager, said: “It’s really extraordinary to see the Penduline Tit here as they usually winter in central and southern Europe.

This one seems to be a little off course and has wintered in the reed beds at Crossness.

People have travelled far to see it, so we’re hoping it stays for a little while longer, but it will soon be making its way south-east to its breeding grounds.”