HUNDREDS of birdwatchers have been flocking to see a rare eagle that has been spotted near Marazion.

The light morph Booted Eagle, which originates from Spain and North Africa, has been soaring around the skies of Crowlas.

The Booted Eagle soars in the sky (Picture: Dougy Wright) ( )

Birdwatcher Royston Wilkins said: “The Booted Eagle was first seen at Nanquidno in Land’s End in September and is believed to have flown north and come back due to the cold snap.

“The species is rare in Britain as it does not like flying across water. Due to the bird being seen months ago it is not believed to have escaped from an eagle aviary in this country as it would not have survived for so long in the wild.”

Birdwatcher Dougy Wright added: “The Booted Eagle is a very rare visitor to Cornwall and the UK.

“There have been only around four previous Cornish records. These birds normally winter in Southern Spain and North Africa therefore this sighting is a real treat for Cornish birders.”