An oriental turtle dove appeared in Lisburn, County Antrim, marking the first sighting of the species on the island of Ireland. The bird was first reported there in December.

Birdwatchers travelled from various parts of Ireland to observe the dove. Michael Latham photographed the bird and noted significant interest in the birdwatching community. He indicated many birders made trips to see it.

The oriental turtle dove is larger and greyer than the European turtle dove. It occurs mainly in Asia, with occasional UK records. This marks the first island sighting, though birds of the species have appeared in Great Britain.

One theory suggests the dove came from the Shetland Islands in Scotland, following sightings of two there before December. Dr Kez Armstrong stated reports from Shetland point to a possible genuine vagrant but noted the species appears in private collections, so it could be an escapee.

Andrew Upton, senior research ecologist for British Trust for Ornithology in Northern Ireland, viewed the bird on St Patrick's Day amid a large crowd. He called its presence a big surprise, as most British records occur on the east coast.

Garry Wilkinson travelled to Lisburn and described the event as a once-in-a-lifetime sighting. He recalled a European turtle dove wintering at Carntogher Road in Lisburn a couple of years prior.

Armstrong advised visitors to respect local residents and avoid distressing the bird.