A rare bird from East Asia and Australia was spotted in East Yorkshire, the first in England since 1991.

A rare white-throated needletail, native to East Asia and Australia, was spotted at Tophill Low Nature Reserve in East Yorkshire, marking the first sighting in England since 1991 and the second in Yorkshire since 1985. First seen by visitors Mandy Gregory and Ray Maddison on Wednesday afternoon, the bird’s distinctive shape and wings prompted swift identification by experts. The news spread rapidly on social media, drawing about 50 visitors within an hour. The bird was later seen at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, where hundreds gathered. The sighting is considered one of the rarest at the reserve in six decades, second only to an Amur falcon in 2008. The reserve, home to otters, barn owls, and kingfishers, has hosted other rare species, including North American blue-winged teal in 2024.