A black swan, which originates from Australia, has been seen in the cooler climes of Verulamium Park lake in St Albans.

Herts Advertiser: The black swan of Verulamium Park, as taken by Darren ButtThe black swan of Verulamium Park, as taken by Darren Butt (Image: Archant)

The appearance of the swan has intrigued park goers, including John Hepburn and Darren Butt, who took these photos.

Tim Hill, conservation manager at Herts and Middx Wildlife Trust, said: “I have worked here in St Albans for 10 years and I have never heard of one here before.”

The bird, although uncommon, is not deemed to be rare. Tim thought that black swans were ‘escapees’, originally brought over by land owners to keep in their lakes and do not breed in the UK.

He commented: “I’m not sure a young has ever been seen.

“They have similar habits to Mute Swans [the most common species] so they seem to exist quite happily until breeding season comes along, when they tend to get picked on.

“It might be here for a week or a month, we don’t know.”