Birdwatchers from across the province gathered in Greater Victoria on Saturday to catch a glimpse of a bird that’s never been seen in British Columbia before.

Two pink-footed geese were first discovered in Central Saanich last month, a far distance from their typical habitat.

The goose breeds in Iceland and Greenland and migrates to Northern Europe.

Ann Nightingale with the Rocky Point Bird Observatory says it’s only the second time the bird has been seen in western North America.

“For a lot of people this is what we would call a lifer, a life bird, the first time they’ve ever seen this particular species,” Nightingale said. “It’s also important for the area because it’s the first time they were seen here.”

After having disappeared for two days, the geese were spotted once again near St. Margaret's School on Saturday.

It’s still unclear whether the geese found their way here on their own or if they are someone’s pets, Nightingale says.

“Always a question when a bird of this nature shows up,” she noted.