By Alesha Capone
It may sound quackers, but a small duck has become an unlikely celebrity at the Western Treatment Plant in Werribee.
Birdwatchers and the media have been ducking and diving in an attempt to get a glimpse of the male tufted duck since it was spotted earlier this month.
More than 1000 people have visited the plant since January 3, when two visiting American birdwatchers first saw the tufted duck.
Birdlife Australia editor Sean Dooley said it was the first recorded sighting of a tufted duck in Australia.
Tufted ducks usually migrate south in the European winter to India and southern China, but Mr Dooley said the one spotted in Werribee had “just kept flying” or “taken a wrong turn”.
He said the tufted duck got its name from the distinctive feathers on its head.
“The tuft is actually more the look of a plume at the back of its head – it’s kind of swept back, like a ’50s rocker,” he said.
Western Treatment Plant manager Martin Bowles said Melbourne Water worked hard to maintain the plant as an environmentally-friendly haven for migratory birds.
“We are hoping that this work, that inspired this one little tufted duck to rock up, will make him tell all his friends,” Mr Bowles said.
“When the rest of Australia is in drought, having this type of sanctuary is very important.”
The plant is visited by up to 300 different bird species every year. Anyone wanting to birdwatch at the plant must apply for a permit.
Details: melbournewater.com.au
