Twitchers flock to Bolton as four rare glossy ibis spotted near Bob's Smithy Inn

WHEN it comes to famous visitors to Bolton — few could have attracted quite as much interest as the four who descended on the town over the weekend.

Long lens cameras and binoculars were out in force in an attempt to get a close-up view of four feathered friends — but these are not of the common-or-garden variety.

The rare glossy ibis birds have made a temporary home in a farmer’s field just behind the Bob’s Smithy Inn much to the delight of local twitchers and those from further afield.

Upon hearing the news — announced on the internet — the birds had landed hundreds of birders have been seen around the spot over the weekend as they attempted to catch a glimpse of the bird or, if they are lucky, get a much-prized photograph.

Bernard Hooley is one such bird enthusiast who dragged wife, Irene, along from their Kearsley home.

Apparently either used to human attention — or perhaps unfamiliar with other species — the birds appear completely at ease with all the attention and Bernard, along with his fellow watchers, has managed to get within six feet of them.

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