Yellow-browed warbler unusually sighted inland

The exact number of yellow-browed warblers that visit the UK each year is unknown

Michael Barrett A yellow-browed warbler sits on a small red-brown coloured plant, facing slightly away from the camera. The bird has green and grey coloured feathers, yellow legs and a distinctive yellow coloured stripe over its eyes. — The exact number of yellow-browed warblers that visit the UK each year is unknown

A bird that is rarely seen inland across the UK, has been spotted 38 miles (62 km) from the coast.

The yellow-browed warbler was sighted wintering around Verulamium Lake in St Albans, Hertfordshire.

By January, the bird has usually migrated from its breeding grounds in Siberia to South East Asia, although some travel to Western Europe.

Debbie Bigg, from Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: "It's a privilege to see this rare bird in such an accessible public space."

The warbler was sighted in the vegetation surrounding Verulamium Lake

Debbie Bigg Verulamium Lake, a man-made stretch of water with a small island. In the foreground there are reeds in the water close to the grassy bank, which is covered in frost. A number of birds can be seen in flight above the water — The warbler was sighted in the vegetation surrounding Verulamium Lake

The warbler has a mainly green plumage with a distinctive yellow-coloured brow over its eyes.

Small numbers of the bird winter in mainland Europe and usually arrive in Great Britain during late September and October, however they are usually sighted along the east and south coasts.

Ms Bigg said: "We've heard the yellow-browed warbler has been darting in and out of the reeds at the edge of the lake, alongside the pathway that runs between the River Ver and the lake, looking for food sources such as caterpillars and other small insects.

"If you want to go and take a look, my advice would be to wrap up warm and look at where the enthusiasts are pointing their cameras and binoculars!"

Verulamium Lake was man-made in 1929 and is fed by the River Ver. It is home to waterbirds including mallards, swans, Canada geese, herons, great crested grebes, coots, pochards and tufted ducks.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

Yellow-browed warbler unusually sighted inland

Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust

Verulamium Park

Crowds flock to quiet street to spot rare bird

Rare sighting of 'very special' little bunting

'Stunning' rare bird spotted at reservoir

City's yarnbombers set woolly world record

What has happened to a city's Wonka money?

I'm still learning about the cathedral, says guide

'We've had more visitors in two days than 30 years'

Crowds flock to quiet street to spot rare bird

Rare bird helps raise £300 for Children in Need

'Stunning' rare bird spotted at reservoir

Experts chuffed at Cornish chough breeding success