Cleethorpes school has become home - at least temporarily - to unusual visitor from northern climes

The solitary curlew - visible from Taylors Avenue

A CLEETHORPES school has this week been playing host to a distinguished visitor from northern Europe

Visible through the railings on Taylors Avenue, a solitary curlew has made a temporary home of the  playing fields at Cleethorpes Academy.

With its long downcurved bill, the curlew is an unmistakable species.

It is more often to be seen on the coastal mudflats between Cleethorpes Leisure Centre and the rock armour whale's tail off North Promenade.

But this bird has come inland to feed on earthworms.

The breeding population of curlews in Britain has plummeted over the past 30 years, and this individual is thought to have flown to Cleethorpes from Finland.

But is it in good health? 

Although birds often perch only on one leg, it is feared this bird may have damage to one of its feet.

If it remains, here's hoping staff and pupils keep an eye open for its welfare.

One leg only - not unusual but is all well with this bird?

Too far away to be sure but the left foot does not look quite right