One of Bermuda's favourite sights the longtail bird thrilled locals and tourists when they returned to local shores in large numbers this week.

According to Bermuda Audubon President Andrew Dobson, the tropicbirds were a few days later than in recent years, but this is hardly surprising due to cool temperatures and northerly winds.

"The birds spend the non-breeding season at sea in the tropics well to our south. They only return to Bermuda to breed and form one of the most northerly breeding colonies in the world for tropicbirds, thanks to the warming influence of the Gulf Stream," explained Mr. Dobson.

The first reported sighting of the year came from eight-year-old St. George's Preparatory School student Emily Watson last Sunday. She had been badgering her father to go out early in search of longtails and was rewarded with sightings off the East End, off St. George's Island and at Clearwater.

Mr. Dobson said: "There have been many more reports from Audubon members of birds at Church Bay and all the way eastwards along the South Shore. The birds will be even more plentiful in a few weeks time as the weather improves and warmer temperatures return. Residents who have coastal properties where longtails regularly breed are asked to check that nest holes are free of trash and readily accessible."