A RARE Fulvous Whistling Duck was spotted by a Kendal man in Bowness.

The duck, native to America, Africa and Asia, was seen by Laurie Thurlow opposite the Glebe.

“It was quite unusual really. I just noticed it in among the mallards and geese and thought it shouldn’t really be here,” said Mr Thurlow, who is a member of the RSPB. “I wondered if the strong winds over the last few days had blown it over to Windermere.”

Neil Harnott, senior conservation officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “I’ve not heard of any sightings around here before. They are native in all parts of the world except Europe but they are sometimes spotted in southern Europe.

“For them to be seen in northern England I would expect they are escapees from a collection, possibly from a local wetland or organisation.”