An incredibly rare black swan has been sighted in Epping Forest.
Unlike white swans, black swans have black feathers and red beaks.
The species, which is native to Australia, is rarely seen in the UK; a 2012 study of bird populations found just 37 nesting pairs in the British Isles.
Black swans are native to Australia. Photo: Michael Harris
The majestic creature was photographed Michael Harris in Eagle Pond, Snaresbrook, on Thursday, January 21.
Following the exhilarating find, he took the twitter and said: “I saw of the Epping Forest Forum Facebook page this week that there was a black swan in town so I had a walk down to the pond today. After waiting for ages because he/she was nowhere to be seen, my patience was finally rewarded.”
There are few wild black swans in the UK. Photo: Michael Harris
Black swans are common in the wetlands of south western and eastern Australia and adjacent coastal islands.
They were introduced to the UK and other European countries in the 1800s and there are now thought to be about 500,000 living in the wild across the globe.
On Sunday, January 24, with snow falling across Essex and London, Michael Harris ventured deep into Epping Forest in search of deer to photograph.
His efforts were rewarded with this magnificent shot:
A deer senses movement, deep in Epping Forest. Photo: Michael Harris
To see more pictures, without watermarks, get you hands on this week's paper.
To see more of Michael pictures, follow him on instagram @ mjyharris
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