A rare species of bird, the Cattle Egret is spotted on a farm in west Kerry.
Birdwatchers in County Kerry are a twitter after sighting Cattle Egret, a new species of bird to the region. This unusual species, is a small, white stork like bird with a yellow bill.
According to Jill Crosher of the West Kerry branch of Birdwatch Ireland, it is the first time this bird has been found in Ireland.
The Cattle Egret has previously been seen in warmer climes. However experts believe that due to due to world climate change, the birds have spread northwards from the Mediterranean and Africa.
In West Kerry the Cattle Egret has been recorded at Baile Luisce, near Ballydavid, and at Ballintaggart, near Dingle.
The Cattle Egret has been spotted on the land belonging to local Baile Luisce farmers Patrick Curran and Joe Daly. The farmland bird is happy spending time with their cattle, feeding on insects and grubs in the soil.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 29 January 2008. The reporter is Seán Mac an tSíthigh.
