A hoopoe, a rare and exotic bird that is native to Africa, Asia, and Europe, has been spotted in Alton – causing quite a flap!
The sighting has been reported by several residents, including a post lady and Herald reader Carol Palmer.
![The hoopoe is native to Europe, Asia and the northern half of Africa and spends most of the time on the ground probing for grubs and insects](https://www.haslemereherald.com/tindle-static/image/2023/05/14/8/Hoopoe%20garden%2013%20May%202023%202.jpg?width=669&height=445&crop=669:445)
The hoopoe is native to Europe, Asia and the northern half of Africa and spends most of the time on the ground probing for grubs and insects (Carol Palmer)
![The hoopoe's calls are soft, quick, poo-poo-poo notes, which give them their common name](https://www.haslemereherald.com/tindle-static/image/2023/05/14/8/Hoopoe%20garden%2013%20May%202023.jpg?width=669&height=445&crop=669:445)
The hoopoe's calls are soft, quick, poo-poo-poo notes, which give them their common name (Carol Palmer)
"Apparently Hampshire sees about five of these a year but mostly on the coast. One has been seen at Frensham Ponds recently too I believe. What a coup for Alton!"