A RARE visitor with distinctive yellow legs has been spotted for the first time in Poole Harbour.

The Lesser Yellowlegs was discovered on the Brownsea Island lagoon, much to the surprise and delight of Dorset Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers.

A very rare vagrant from North America, it was found by DWT volunteer Graham Armstrong while surveying the lagoon for other birds.

This is the first-ever record for Poole Harbour and only the ninth-ever sighting in Dorset.

It is thought the wader is most likely to have been blown off course during storms in recent months and was looking for somewhere safe to feed.

The Lesser Yellowlegs is a slender, long-legged shorebird with a wingspan of 59-64cm, which breeds in Canada and spends the winter in Central and South America.

An active feeder, it often runs through shallow water to chase its prey which includes small fish.

Related to our red-legged Red-shank, it could still be somewhere in the harbour.

“This is a fantastic rare spot for Brownsea Island,” said Chris Thain, DWT Brownsea reserve manager, pictured.

“We are having a great year for a variety of birds visiting the lagoon this year. Members of DWT can come along to a members’ day on January 10, 2015 – they may spot the first rarity of 2015.”

The island’s webcam became famous in September 2013 for hosting the world’s first ever online twitch as Poole Harbour’s first Semipalmated Sandpiper spent a few days feeding in front of the lens.

Other rare visitors include Caspian Tern, Cattle Egret and Common Crane.

Paul Morton from Birds of Poole Harbour charity said: “This is a great find by Graham, and just goes to show you never know what’s out there.

“I really hope it’s found again in the harbour – Poole Park would be nice.”