TWITCHERS from all over the region flocked to Wigan to catch a glimpse of a rare bird.

A Cattle Egret, a small, white breed of heron, was spotted pruning its feathers on a flooded fairway at Pennington Golf Club at Pennington Flash near Leigh.

Experts believe it is the first sighting of the bird in Greater Manchester and only the second sighting in the region.

A Cattle Egret was previously spotted on the wetlands of Martin Mere in Lancashire seven years ago.

Large groups of bird watchers descended on the site at the weekend, but it has only been sighted once.

Ian McKchar, assistant county bird recorder, said the breed was common in Asia, America, Spain, Portugal and parts of Northern Europe.

He said: "They have been spotted in Dorset and Cornwall but it is very rare to see one this far north.

"We are not sure whether it is weather-related but there has been an influx into the country recently. It is a first for Greater Manchester and more than 20 birdwatchers have been out. It has been quite elusive however and we think it has now gone."

Cattle Egrets average 51cm long and weigh between 200 and 600g with short, thick bills. Adults have an all-white plumage, a yellow bill, and greyish-yellow legs. Peter Alker, Wigan's senior ranger, said more than 230 bird species have been spotted at Pennington Flash.

"We are really excited at this find. It shows what a great environment Pennington Flash is for all kinds of birds."