16:58, 20 Sep 2016
Updated 17:00, 20 Sep 2016
The Ashton canal is 'as close to
their natural habitat as they will be able to find' says one expert
 |
| male |
A rare American duck has been
spotted more than 4,500 miles from its homeland - in the Ashton Canal.
There are only about a dozen
North American wood ducks in the UK, according to birdwatcher James Walsh, who
says he photographed a pair in Droylsden on Friday.
They were seen in the Fairfield
area of Droylsden, around two miles from Manchester city centre.
 |
| female |
Mr Walsh, a bird watcher for more
than 30 years, said it was one of his most unusual discoveries in Greater
Manchester.
The wood duck lives in wooded
swamps across the US and is one of very few duck species with claws strong
enough to grip bark, so it often perches in trees.
Mr Walsh, 39, who runs the blog
Mancunian Birder, said: “It is the first time I have ever seen one in the
Ashton Canal, but it is as close to their natural habitat as they will be able
to find.”
No comments:
Post a Comment