11 Jan 2025
A rare yellow-browed warbler has been sighted wintering around Verulamium Lake in St Albans.
Usually only one or two sightings of the bird take place in the autumn in Herts. Usually, at this time of year, the bird will have migrated from its breeding ground of Siberia to south-east Asia.
The arrival of the small green warbler, with its distinctive yellow ‘eyebrow’ has delighted bird watchers, wildlife photographers and the general public, who have been able to see the unusual winter visitor at close range.
Debbie Bigg, communications officer at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust said: “It’s a privilege to see this rare bird in such an accessible public space.
“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.
“There are some well-placed benches there so 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!”
