A rare American wigeon is seen resting on Qingshan Lake in January. [Photo by Cheng Guolong/WeChat account: dskbdskb2020]

For the fifth consecutive winter, a rare American wigeon — known locally as the green-eyebrow duck — has returned alone to Qingshan Lake in Hangzhou's Lin'an district, becoming a local celebrity among birdwatchers.

First recorded here in 2021, the bird migrates to the lake each winter and leaves in spring, often mingling quietly with flocks of Eurasian wigeons.

Native to northern and northwestern North America, the species is seldom seen in China, with only a handful of past sightings nationwide.

Experts believe it may be a vagrant that lost its flock during migration, possibly due to extreme weather, and later adapted by traveling with other duck species. Whether the same duck will return with each passing year — and where it goes after the winter — remains a mystery, as no tracking study has yet been conducted.

The duck's annual visits have drawn enthusiasts from across China, and inspired local students and nature lovers alike. Experts say the best protection is simple: avoid disturbing the flora and fauna, and preserve the lake's healthy wetland habitat, which now hosts 234 recorded bird species.

As Hangzhou's biodiversity continues to grow, Qingshan Lake stands as a vivid example of how strong ecology attracts both wildlife and people.

An American wigeon (left) hangs out with an Eurasian wigeon in 2021. [Photo/WeChat account: laznb2014]