Rare bird sighting at reservoir

The Spotted Sandpiper was first seen at the site at the weekend

A bird which is usually seen on the shores of waterways in North America has found a new home at a reservoir in Staffordshire.

The Spotted Sandpiper wading bird has been seen at Severn Trent's Tittesworth Reservoir near Leek.

It may have got blown off course during its winter migration, Tittesworth site manager Richard Clough said.

Severn Trent said occasionally sightings have been recorded at other locations in Britain.

'Rare opportunity'

The water company added the bird, which was first seen at the 700-acre site at the weekend, had attracted "huge interest" from the national bird-watching community.

Mr Clough said: "The Spotted Sandpiper is a stranger to these shores and by rights, should be safely on North American soil right now.

"(We're) not entirely sure how or why this specimen has landed here.

"We're happy to welcome this visitor to our lovely reservoir site, along with any bird-watchers who would like to come and enjoy this rare opportunity."