Rare Arctic bird found in county as polar conditions are forecast for two weeks

FREEZING polar conditions have reached Lincolnshire – and they've brought a rare Arctic bird with them.

A grey and white speckled Arctic buzzard, drawn down from the frozen north, has created quite a stir since it was found injured near Lincoln by an RSPCA officer.

It was taken to the city's Park View Veterinary Surgery and treated before being handed over to staff at the Weirfield Wildlife Hospital in Rookery Lane, Lincoln.

The bird, more commonly known as the rough-legged buzzard, is thought to be one of only four to have been ringed in Britain.

Park View practice manager Sara Allwood said: "It certainly brought the weather with it."


Weirfield spokesman Alison Townsend said the male bird would be comfortable with the cold snap after a lifetime of dealing with freezing Arctic conditions.

She said: "I've worked with wildlife for 20 years and I have never seen one before.

"I was quite concerned that he wouldn't survive, but after a few days, he started eating.

"His leg is much better and he is ready to go again, so I will probably release him over the weekend, depending on the weather."

According to experts, the Arctic buzzard – which differs from the common buzzard by its larger size, pale colours and feathered legs – migrates from the north in autumn and could well stay in the area until next spring.

Alan Ball, British Trust for Ornithology spokesman, of Sleaford, said: "They are a rare sight in Lincolnshire and we took the chance to tag this bird as there are so few in the wild that are tracked.

"The chance of seeing the same bird again is less than 10 per cent. It really is smashing up close."

Rachel Shaw, spokesman for the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, said there had been several sightings made of the birds.

She said: "It is likely that it has been a good breeding year, but now there may be a lack of food, causing them to cross the North Sea.

"Common buzzards are found in the county in high numbers. They look very similar and can be difficult to tell apart."

The freezing temperatures are set to continue for the next two weeks, according to experts.

Helen Chivers, of the Met Office, said: "Today will see a light coating of snow and tomorrow there could be between 2cm and 5cm of snow across Lincoln city and the wider county area.

"It will drop to about -5C overnight, with widespread frosty conditions."

The cold snap comes just days after the Met Office said this year was the warmest in history.

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