A STUNNING visitor to Dorset has been spotted feeding on the water meadows at Wareham.

The white stork, from mainland Europe, was spotted by wildlife trust volunteer and keen birdwatcher Sarah Sherran.

She immediately contacted photographer Steve Trewhella, who took these shots.

The massive bird, which is 3.5ft high, with a wingspan over 7ft, eats rodents, frogs and toads, but was collecting earthworms from the mud when they saw it.

Dante Munns, Dorset area manager for the RSPB, said: “White storks are pretty unmistakable; big birds with a white body, mostly black wings, red legs and a long red bill. They tend to be seen feeding out in the open in water meadows, although they are an unusual and accidental visitor to Dorset. There tend to be only one or two records a year during spring or autumn.”

They breed in mainland Europe and in late August or September most birds migrate to tropical Africa, with some going to Iran or the Indian sub-continent.

“I hope that after this minor detour, it will soon be back on its way to warmer wintering grounds,” said Dante.