Rare Bird Sighting near the River Clyde
NORTH Lanarkshire has been proving a hot spot for rare birds in recent
weeks, with many sightings of unusual species by local enthusiasts.
The most distinctive bird to make an appearance has been a male (or
drake) smew, which has been seen on the River Clyde and at Strathclyde
Country Park since mid-January.
This species of duck, with a black mask and curious tufted cap of
snowy feathers on its head, breeds in northern Russia and migrates
south for the winter to escape harsh weather.
These seasonal tourists, which eat small fish, are rare visitors to
Scotland but will often return to the same rivers and lochs.
RSPB's conservation officer for the area, Toby Wilson, said:
"Everyone's been excited to see the smew as it's a real stunner. It's
been hanging about Strathclyde Country Park for a couple of months
now, and we've had lots of sightings."
Hamilton Advertiser: April 2008
