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From The Times
April 23, 2008

Rare Russian black lark leaves bird watchers in rapture

Hundreds of twitchers have descended on a deserted stretch of Norfolk coastline to catch a glimpse of a rare Black Lark

WINTERTON-ON-SEA Hundreds of bird watchers gathered on sand dunes in Norfolk to catch a glimpse of a rare black lark.

It is only the third time that a black lark, which was spotted in Winterton-on-Sea on Sunday afternoon, has been seen in Britain.

Sean Offord, 46, who lives in the village, was the first person to report seeing the male bird.

He said: “I’ve been bird watching my whole life and this is by far the most exciting thing I’ve ever seen. I was in a state of ecstasy and panic because I was really excited at seeing it but also wanted to make sure someone else saw it.”

The black lark, which is native to Russia and Kazakhstan, is black, with pale fringes to the feathers on its back and a yellow or pink bill. Black larks have previously been recorded in Spurn, by the River Humber, in 1984, and Anglesey, North Wales, in June 2003.

I saw these birds in Ormeau Park, Belfast 21/22 April circa. There were about 15, they had yellow beaks. I have never seen these beautiful little birds before. Then I heard on the radio that Russia Larks was blown off course this year and so Googled them and the picture & discription exactly fits.

Nancy Wright, Belfast, N.Ireland

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