It has been seen in Sweden before, even in Jokkmokk. But it has been 35 years – and one day – since a black-headed sparrow was spotted in the municipality.
Mats Karström has followed birds all his life and was there that day.
"I was there then and it's hard to see in the whole country. You usually have to go to Greece and the eastern parts of the Mediterranean to see it," he says.
Mats on bird watching: "Bloody seriousness"
Mats believes that birdwatchers will make a pilgrimage to Vuollerim now. According to him, the hobby is something that enthusiasts do not take lightly.
"It's bloody serious and there are people who have left their own wedding to see rare birds. People renting helicopters to watch.
90-year-old lady saw it first
How the bird was discovered is also a story in itself. An elderly lady in her 90s, who usually feeds birds, thought she saw a rare species at home on the farm.
She tipped off the home care service, which in turn drew the attention of the villagers Mariette Forsgren and Bengt "Benne" Larsson who went to the site to observe.
Friends with judges
There is no doubt that the bird ended up far from its intended destination – but how long it stays is unclear.
"As long as there is plenty of food, it seems to thrive among the judges who have also found their way here," says Benne Larsson.
Black-headed sparrow with Vuollerim friends Greenfinch, Greensian and Judge. Photo: Bengt "Benne" Larsson