An escaped pelican has been spotted swimming on a Kent river in a highly unusual discovery. The bird – only seen in the UK in captivity or in private collections because it is not a native British species – was seen taking a dip along the River Stour in Ashford yesterday. Jas Stobbs snapped a picture of the bird which Kent Wildlife Trust has confirmed is indeed a pink-backed pelican and must be an escapee from somewhere. The species is not a wild species in this country but there are several private collections around the country and a flock at Wingham Wildlife Park. Bosses at the zoo near Can…