The first Longtails of the year were spotted enjoying the sunshine on a local beach this past weekend.

The sighting was made by Bermudian photographer Mr. Graeme Outerbridge, a keen bird watcher.

Longtails, which come every year after winter ends, are normally first sighted in small numbers later in the month or in early March.

Government Conservation Officer Dr. David Wingate confirmed his records showed the reported first sighting was three days earlier than last year's.

"It doesn't surprise me as Bermuda seems to be getting warmer and warmer every year and this is a mild winter,'' he said. "But it is the earliest possible date.'' Mr. Outerbridge was on the western end of Coral Beach in Paget when he spotted a pair of Longtails flying back and forth from some cliffs, apparently conducting nest inspections.

"It's a wish that finally came true -- to report the first Longtails are here!'' he said yesterday.

He had been photographing the "Bermuda (paper fox) Hunt'' for a local magazine.

The Longtail, almost an unofficial emblem of Bermuda, has been a warm weather resident of the Island since its early settlement days.