Birdwatchers in a flap over new arrivals in Cork nature reserve

'Remarkable sighting' of penduline tits, normally found in southern and central Europe, in wetland near Macroom

Birdwatchers flock to the Gearagh wetlands near Macroom in Cork to catch a glimpse of the first penduline tits in Ireland. Pictures: Richard Mills

Birdwatchers from all over Ireland are flocking to a stunning nature reserve in Cork to catch a glimpse of the first recorded penduline tits in this country.

Three of the tiny adult birds — a female and two males with striking Zorro or bandit-like eye-mask type markings — are causing quite a flap in the birdwatching community since they were first spotted at the vast Gearagh wetland near Macroom earlier this week by nature photographer Pascal Lee.