Rare duck excites twitchers

Male Surf Scoter (c) Bill Bouton

Bird watchers are excited as a North American duck has appeared for the first time in Switzerland.

The male Surf Scoter would normally fly south to Florida in the winter. Experts believe the recent storms may have blown it off course. 

The cantonal wildlife inspector, Gottlieb Dändliker says the appearance of the duck is an incredible surprise. He says as word spread, dozens of bird watches from across the region have flocked to the region. 

But it may find itself at home. It’s been found to be eating another American invader – the quagga mussel which is spreading in the lake. 

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