A VERY unusual bird sighting has caused a stir at an Oxford nature reserve.

A group of nature lovers were rambling through RSPB Otmoor near Marston last Saturday when the emerald-green herald flew up and alighted on an oak tree.

At first the bird watchers couldn't believe their eyes, but on closer inspection they realised the exotic-looking visitor was exactly what it appeared to be - an Australian budgerigar.

Fast-thinking Derek Latham, who had taken his camera along with him, managed to grab this exquisite shot of the bird just in time.

RSPB Otmoor volunteer Peter Barker said: "It flew in from the direction of Charlton on Otmoor, landed in an oak tree.

"Derek managed to take a picture of it then it flew back to Charlton on Otmoor.

"It was quite a surprise - that is not the sort of bird we were expecting to see.

"It could well be from the village, we just don't know. Sometimes these tropical birds do manage to survive in the wild. It's pretty cold at the moment but maybe it tucks in with a group of starlings at night."

The tiny parrots are native to Australia but are a hugely popular household pet.

A few small populations have been recorded surviving in the wild around the UK temporarily, but there is certainly no documented population at RSPB Otmoor.

Mr Latham admitted that his group, which helps looks after the bird population at the reserve, does put out about 20kg of bird seed every week, including a fair amount of budgies' favourite, millet.

That might just account for the unusual visit.