A seldom-seen bird with a penchant for the water hazards of golf courses has made an appearance on the island for the first confirmed time in 26 years.

Miguel Mejías of the Bermuda Audubon Society said the Ross’s Goose, which breeds along the coast of Hudson Bay, and the Canadian arctic before heading south for the winters, was spotted last week by Eva Bottelli at Port Royal Golf Course in Southampton.

The species, named after the arctic explorer Bernard R. Ross, was last confirmed in Bermuda in November 2008, where one was sighted on Gibbet Island near Flatts Inlet, Smith’s, as well as enjoying one of the ponds at Belmont Golf Course in Warwick.

Dr Mejías said Ms Bottelli initially took it for the more commonly seen Snow Goose, but identified it from its features as a much smaller bird with a short, stubby beak.

He said the species customarily winters in the United States and Mexico, usually staying in the Midwest and western states — meaning this one was “definitely well off course”.

Dr Mejías added: “They feed on grasses and plant matter and this particular bird is enjoying what it is finding on the golf course.

“It also seems very unconcerned with anything or anyone nearby, so caution should be taken around it.”