The Rufous Turtle Dove has only ever been spotted three times on Shetland – and two of those times have been in the past 12 months.
The most recent sighting was by Hugh Harrop, from Sumburgh, who owns the eco-tourism business Shetland Wildlife.
He has been spotting birds for four decades and had gone out looking for the bird after hearing about it from friend Malcolm Cowie.
“The bird was found and photographed by Malcolm and was identified on a Facebook page,” Mr Harrop said.
“Word soon spread to us local birders. The bird was initially tired and to protect it from the elements Mr Cowie took the bird in and kept it overnight.
“It was released the following morning and showed no signs of ill health and allowed us great views and the chance to photograph it.”
The bird was found at North Roe. It’s the second time Mr Harrop has spotted the bird on Shetland, and he also travelled to Orkney some years ago to find one.
“I have also seen lots in south east Asia particularly in India”,he added.
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VIDEO: Rufous Turtle Dove spotted on Shetland for third time ever… And second time this year