Some rare and unusual visitors have been spotted in the mud at Montrose.
Three spoonbills have been seen at the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s Montrose Basin Reserve.
The spoonbill (platalea leucorodia) is a striking white wader bird. It has a long black flattened bill which resembles a spoon at the tip.
Spoonbills are very rare in the UK; there are only around 75 sightings a year and they have never been seen at Montrose Basin in these numbers before. The species is of European Conservation Concern.
Scottish Wildlife Trust Perthshire Ranger Anna Cheshier said:
“There is now a rare opportunity to see an unusual visitor to these shores.
“The spoonbill is unmistakable. It really stands out at Montrose Basin and we have been watching them carefully since the first sighting on the 28th June.
“I have never seen more than one spoonbill at Montrose Basin so it is great news to see a group.
“This group has been at the basin over a week now and we think they will stay for a while. But people should come along to Montrose as soon as they can for a chance to see these striking birds.”