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Sunday 18 January 2015

Goosander under the Radar

I returned to the same location where I shot the Kingfisher images the other day and took up the same position and waited for the Kingfisher to come along. 

One did arrive, I couldn't get a clear shot though, but it wouldn't have remained there anyway. A couple of Dog Walkers descended on the immediate area. They had two dogs and to make matters worse they were wearing these high visibility lemon coloured jackets. Why people that are out for a country walk in fields miles from any roads find it necessary to wear such garments I have now idea. 

Anyway the Kingfisher beat a hasty retreat, but suddenly almost unnoticed by me momentarily, a male Goosander came swimming up the stream. I was able to get some shots of it. That didn't last however as the dog walkers offending animals decided it would be good fun to race up to the edge of the water and run along chasing the Goosander off.







15 comments:

  1. Splendid capture and great reflections as well. Have a good week.

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  2. A very handsome bird. Too bad the dogs scared the birds away.

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  3. Good shots Roy. up to five years ago I had never seen a Goosander , my first sighting was in Wales, now we have many breading pairs on the river around us and see one most time. Yeadon Dam up the road from me has up to 30+ pairs over wintering on the water (dam full of fish), year on year the numbers are growing.
    I often have my dog when I go out bird watching but he is under control,have lost many a bird shot to dogs running free, and some people have no respect at all..dog or no dog..!!!!
    Amanda xx

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    1. Thanks Amanda. They are a bit of a rarity around here.

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  4. Je hebt de zaagbek wel in alle rust kunnen fotograferen meestal is hij alleen op grote afstand.

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  5. Very unusual for a goosander to come in that close! As for hi vizzes, I had one on at dusk last night because my run took me along a couple of sections of pavementless road. As I kept an eye open for owls in the suitable country I call "Owl Country", I realised they could only be laughing like mad at me, bright orange fool

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    1. Thanks Simon, yes Hi Viz on the road is fine, but this was at least a mile from a recognised road.

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  6. How lovely to see this Goosander as I've never seen one. Being a responsible dog owner, I too am always annoyed at people who let their dogs chase anything. I try very hard to make sure my dogs are respectful of other people and animals around. The Soay Sheep up at Berry Head were often chased by dogs which made me very cross.

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  7. So close Roy!!! You lucky guy. The birds colours look splendid too. I only see them here when it's very cold for a long time, so no luck this winter.
    I love your header by the way, gorgeous!

    Kind regards,
    Marianne

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  8. Hello Roy
    Quelle chance d'avoir ce canard en face de l'appareil photo !!!! Bravo Roy.

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