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Shannon News, 12 July 1927, Page 3

A strange bird was seen recently by members of the Defence Force stationed at North Head, Devonport (says the Auckland Herald). The stranger was aboutUßin. in height and his plumage of a rich bronze hue., with white tipped wings and a green patch on the back of the head. The head and neck were very similar to those of the duck, and the* bird also emitted a squawk very like that of the duck, but much shriller. The legs were fully lOin. long and the tail very Short. The bird was attacked by swarms of seagulls, but it seemed well able to take care of itself' and with vicious pecks and many rushes easily kept the gulls at bay. Several attempts were made to capture it, but one. could not approach it beyond 20ft or 30ft,, and eventually the bird flew over North Head. It has not been seen since. All who saw the bird feel certain it is not a native of these parts, and it is thought it may have escaped from same place of captivity.