What are the chances that a rare bird which made history in Norfolk could return this year?

A flock of seven bee-eaters, which are normally at home in the Mediterranean, took up residence at a quarry in Trimingham last June.

The birds drew large crowds to the area, attracting more than 15,000 birdwatchers from across the country, and excitement mounted when the bee-eater chicks hatched.

It was the sixth breeding attempt in the UK, but the first for Norfolk, although there have been some sightings over the years in the county.

North Norfolk News: The bee-eaters drew large crowds to Norfolk, attracting more than 15,000 bird watchers from across the country The bee-eaters drew large crowds to Norfolk, attracting more than 15,000 bird watchers from across the country (Image: Denise Bradley)

With climate change, the birds are increasingly moving north, but what are the chances we will see them again this summer?

Jenny Shelton, investigations liaisons officer for the RSPB, said: "It is really hard to say as we have never had repeat sight visits, they just turn up and it is always a surprise.

"We have had five to 10 sightings in the UK and they have always been somewhere new to date. They haven't proved sight-faithful in the UK so far.

"They may turn up somewhere in the UK but their visits are becoming more frequent so keep your eyes to the skies for flying rainbows."

Last year the RSPB and the North East Norfolk Bird Club set up a viewing platform and the birds were featured on BBC Springwatch.