BIRD enthusiasts from across the Isle of Wight are descending on Bonchurch hoping for a glimpse of a rare visitor.

The great spotted cuckoo was seen at Wheelers Bay yesterday (Friday) — the first official sighting since 1986, when one was seen at Brighstone and Atherfield.

Steve Jones, a member of the Isle of Wight Birding Group on Facebook, said it was a rarity in the UK, let alone the Isle of Wight.

He said it had probably overshot on its migratory path and was feeding well on brown-tail moth caterpillars in the bushes at Wheelers Bay.