Spent a windswept lunchtime at Chichester Gravel Pits (West Sussex) and saw two Bar-headed geese (Anser indicus) with a flock of Canada Geese. I assume these were escapes but how can you tell?
robhope
Egrets, I've had a few
There has been a flock of Bar-heads numbering in the teens attending Grove Ferry in Kent for quite a while now, including juveniles so they are obviously breeding.
Whilst originally being of captive stock, the latest generation(s) are not, but I get the impression that many birders are dismissive of them due to their origins.
Personally speaking, I quite like seeing them - they are very handsome indeed and are good to see around.
I imagine that, assuming that they carry on breeding successfully, they will get included in the British list one day (but don't hold your breath!)
I wouldn't have thought that there was much/any chance of genuine vagrancy of wild birds.....
All the best... Ruby