WITH its grey feathered head and stripy neck, most passers-by could be forgiven for not giving this bird a second glance.

However, the appearance of the Pacific diver at Hayle in West Cornwall has prompted a flurry of activity among bird watchers who have flocked to see it.

The bird is more commonly found in the icy reaches of Alaska and the Pacific North West.

It has only ever been officially recorded once before in Britain when one strayed to North Yorkshire two years ago.

The adult Pacific diver took up residence at Carnsew Pool in the Hayle estuary on Thursday morning.

Dave Flumm, site manager for the vast RSPB reserve at Hayle, said it was an amazing – and rare – sight.

"I've no idea how it came to Hayle, but it may be that the storms we have had this week have something to do with it," he added.

"Birds often shelter from the weather at Hayle."

Mr Flumm said what was particularly exciting was that all five species of diver had now put in an appearance at Hayle.

This means that the reserve, along with the one at nearby Marazion, were the only places in the world where all species of diver had been registered.

"It is really unique," said Mr Flumm.

"The message here is that if you want to see a diver, come to West Cornwall."

The appearance of the Pacific diver is believed to have sparked a "mega alert" among twitchers with people informed of the rare sighting by pager.

Keen bird watchers are known to drop everything and rush to the scene in a bid to get a glimpse of the unusual creature.