A RARE visitor flew in to a North Herefordshire garden.

The exotic-looking hoopoe bird does not breed in the UK, although it can turn up in spring, migrating north to Europe from Africa and land on the south coast of England.

And when one popped into the garden at Lowe Farm B&B, in Pembridge, this month, a guest was able to identify the species.

Juliet Williams, who runs the B&B with husband Clive, said: "It was just sat there feeding for three hours.

"To have that bird that I have never seen in my life land in my garden, I thought 'whoopee- that's excellent'."

The bird's appearance caused quite a stir on Facebook with one commenter claiming it is the first sighting of the bird in Herefordshire for 60 years.

Meanwhile, a Madley garden has become home to a newborn tawny owl and its mother.

Lindsey Price erected a refurbished owl box last year and installed it on a tree at the end of his field.

Mr Price, who has around 30 bird boxes, including two owl boxes, in his garden, said: "Within weeks the tawny owl had taken up residence. These pictures were taken last weekend and it appears mum has put the box to good use."