FLORISSANT, Mo. — A rare bird has landed in Saint Ferdinand Park once again.
The Mandarin duck was spotted in Florissant, Missouri, swimming with other ducks in a pond in the park. This is the second year in a row the stunning bird been spotted in the park.
Ken Buchholz, Director of the Audubon Center at Riverlands says, "The Mandarin duck that's here up in North County is probably the same duck that was around here last year at this time. We think that because it's probably not likely it migrated from Eastern Asia to here once or twice or three times."
Mandarin ducks are easy to identify with their colorful feathers, ranging from a forest green to burgundy, deep blue and purple.
According to Wild Birds Unlimited in Florissant, the bird is likely a pet that escaped because the birds aren't native to the U.S.
Buccholz says he's not surprised to see the perching duck here.
"We live on one of the greatest flyaways on the planet. We always have this interesting phenomenon of bird migration coming down these big rivers," Buccholz said.
A spokesperson with the Florissant Parks Department said the duck has been hanging around the area recently.
"With almost all wildlife, they are looking what all wildlife are looking for food, shelter, and a safe place to be and apparently that particular duck chose that spot," Buccholz said.
The Audubon Center is recording this sighting, that way they are reported for historical context.