Goosander (Female)

Another irregular visitor to the parkland lakes this week.

This female Goosander was showing quite well and close enough to get some photographs.

This bird also breeds in Iceland and Scandinavia.

Scaup

We get the occasional different water bird/fowl during the winter months that visit the local parkland lakes. 

Nothing different for weeks, then we may get two or three at once. 

A visitor this week was the Scaup Duck. It is slightly larger than a Tufted Duck. From a distance, when amongst a flock of Tufties, it can look rather like a female Tufti. When I was observing this one I took my eye off of it for a few minutes and lost it. It took a while to find it amongst about 30 plus Tufties. 

There is some discussion amongst the local birding experts that this one may be a Hybrid Tufted Duck/Scaup. Whatever it is I was pleased to see it and as I said before, I just take the photographs. :o)

The Scaup visits the Eastern side of the UK (mainly the coast) during September to April, but will come in land a short distance to local lakes.

In its breeding season it resides in Iceland, Scandinavia and Siberia.

Bovine Salon

Autumn Parkland

A few autumn scenes from some areas of the Parkland that I frequently walk.

The Elusive Goldcrest

"The Goldcrest, often seen, rarely photographed"

Where I'm concerned anyway. 

I found this one in the middle of a conifer tree and I was able to salvage a few images from the many attempts.

Haw Berry Breakfast

The first thing I observed on my walk was this Grey Squirrel eating a breakfast of Haw Berries.

Single Image Post - Male Stonechat

One of our old favourites amongst the local Birders. 

This male Stonechat has returned hopefully to reside over winter in the Parkland.

Red-necked Grebe

A welcome winter visitor to the local Parkland lakes this week.

The Red-necked Grebe breeds in eastern Europe during the Summer (Denmark and eastwards). It may visit the eastern coast of England during winter, but a more scarce visitor to eastern inland lakes. 

The Parkland lakes are approximately 45 kilometres from the Wash.

This bird had been observed for a few days on one of the Parkland lakes. (which measures approximately 300 metres wide by 500 metres long) When I first observed it, typically it was way out in the middle of the lake at telescope range. I watched from the south side of the lake and moved to the east side as I guessed it was a little closer to shoot. When I arrived there it had drifted to the west side of the lake. (Obviously a bird with a wicked sense of humour I thought)

Anyway fortunately when I arrived at the west side it took pity on me and came within 600mm lens range.

Below shows a comparison with the Great-crested Grebe which are common and plentiful in the area. 

Both of course are in winter plumage.

The detail in the below images is not of the same standard as above.