A KEEN West Devon bird watcher was excited to spot a rare bird in the area recently.

Shane Willson, from Yelverton, spotted an Osprey around the Lopwell Dam and River Tavy area last month.

The fish-eating bird of prey is an amber list species because of its historical decline due to illegal killing, and low breeding numbers.

Mr Willson said: 'I have been trying to spot one for the last month and was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time.

'It hunts by diving feet first for fish, often preceded by prolonged hovering over the water.'