A surprising and extremely rare visitor has decided to spend Christmas in Aberdeenshire this year. A blue-throated robin was sighted in November at the Loch of Strathbeg RSPB Reserve, which was unusual enough, but this visitor has decided to stay! This is indeed a special visitor as it is believed to be the first time ever in the UK that this species has been recorded during the festive season.

For many, robins with their festive red breast, epitomise Christmas and crisp winter days. But it is a close relative of the traditional red breast which has amazed everyone at the reserve. Bluethroats normally live in the remote birch forests of Asia and Scandinavia. Each year in Spring, a few of these incredibly beautiful birds are seen on British coasts. These are migrating birds that have strayed a little too far to the west, and are much prized by birdwatchers. The beauty of the bluethroat, whose old name was the blue throated robin, is legendary amongst ornithologists. For a small bird they are extremely graceful and the males, like the Strathbeg individual, have a dazzling bright blue throat, shot through with scarlet and black.

Dr Paul Walton, Species and Habitats Officer for RSPB Scotland comments on the uniqueness of this finding:

"To find one on our reserve in May or June would have been thrilling enough; but this bird has decided to overwinter here, which is quite unique. We welcome lots of birdwatchers and wildlife fans at Strathbeg. They can witness the spectacle of thousands of wild Arctic geese feeding around the loch and now they have a chance to see the December bluethroat as well. That's the best icing on the Christmas cake we could ever have hoped for."

For more information:

• RSPB Press Release
• Bluethroat Profile
• Loch of Strathbeg Reserve