This week, Nova Scotians might spot a few birds that look more like they belong in the tropics than the Maritimes.

That’s because the Nature Conservancy of Canada says post-tropical storm Sandy is likely to have thrown some Carribean bird species off course – and some may be finding refuge in N.S.

Spokesperson Andrew Holland says bird watchers may be able to get a glimpse of the southern marine birds without travelling too far.

“High winds coming from the south can bring a fallout of sea birds from the Caribbean and similar places. This can mean…hot spots in the province such as Briar Island, Seal Island, Sable Island, HRM area – we’re talking about Hartland Point near Eastern Passage and even Point Pleasant Park,” said Holland.

Holland said as the weather system leaves the area, there will be about a three-day window in which the birds might be viewed locally.

“They’re either young or they’re what are classified as vagrant birds. Because of the strong, sustained winds they get caught up in them and all of a sudden, bingo, they’re looking for a place to land and they land in a far away place, such as Nova Scotia.”

Some of these marine or sea birds from the Caribbean and southern climes include tanagers, vireos, fly catchers, sparrows, orioles, warblers, mockingbirds and cuckoo birds.