In this part of Europe we are fortunate to see this lovely bird called the hoopoe.

This from the RSPB

The hoopoe is an exotic looking bird that is the size of a mistle thrush. It has a pinkish-brown body, striking black and white wings, a long black downcurved bill, and a long pinkish-brown crest which it raises when excited. It does not breed in the UK, but as many as 100 birds can turn up in spring (mostly seen as single birds) as birds migrating north to Europe from Africa overshoot and land on the south coast of England.

The best chance of seeing one is during spring migration along the south coast and not far inland, but birds have turned up as far north as Shetland. Most birds turn up in late April and May.

They eat insects and spiders.

So why am I blogging about it?

Because over the last couple of days, for the first time ever, a young one has been visiting my garden. At the moment I am cameraless - how frustrating is that?

I'm sure the bird is taunting me!