Bird's eye view

Rare and exotic Ibis breed is sighted in Renfrewshire

- EMYLIE HOWIE

A rare bird has been spotted in Renfrewshire for the first time, following an unexpected rise in sightings across the country this year.

The glossy ibis, a species usually found in the warmer climates of Asia, Africa, South America, Australia and southern Europe, is typically a scarce visitor to the UK.

But in 2025, the birds have been appearing in "never-before-seen numbers" across Scotland, according to RSPB Scotland.

Seven of the wading birds were recorded at RSPB Scotland’s Baron's Haugh nature reserve in Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, on October 9, with another seen later in the month at RSPB Loch Gruinart on the island of Islay.

Most recently, on Saturday, October 18, one was spotted at RSPB Lochwinnoch nature reserve, marking the first-ever sighting in the area.