In spite of the recent cold weather, it appears spring may be coming early this year -- at least if the sighting of a Longtail is anything to go by.

A Bermuda Longtail, whose first sightings have traditionally been thought to herald spring, was spotted earlier this week by a Canadian couple visiting the Island.

The couple, who are frequent visitors to Bermuda, told The Royal Gazette they saw the lone bird at 8.30 a.m. on Monday as they had their breakfast.

The visitor, who wished not to be named, said: "My wife saw it first and called me over.

"I couldn't believe it , but I saw it myself and it was unmistakably a Longtail. It was a sunny and clear morning.'' The couple made the sighting from their cottage at the Coral Beach Club in Paget.

"We are staying in the very last cottage overlooking the water and there is nothing but cliff and water between us,'' he said.

"It's not surprising that we saw it as they nest in those cliffs,'' he added.

Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo curator Jack Ward confirmed that the sighting is unusually early but he noted: "It is not out of the question, and I wouldn't call it unbelievable.'' A SPRING THING? -- Bringing warmth: A visiting Canadian couple earlier this week reported what is believed to be the first Longtail of the season. The sighting was made Monday along the South Shore, in Paget. According to local lore, the return of the Longtails heralds Springtime and a much needed break from recent colder weather.