A Duck Day - Lodmoor

The last few days have seen the onset of very cold temperatures relatively, with little wind. 

My photographic pursuits have centred around the Reserve at Lodmoor, Weymouth.

The main reason being that everywhere else was or had been flooded from the storms a week ago.

The day didn't start well as I was informed that I had missed a Glossy Ibis by about 15 minutes which had unhelpfully taken flight and left the area. The resident Golden Plover flock had decreased by two thirds and the Green winged Teal was so far away that a photograph was not possible,

Luckly I did find a pair of Wigeon that had arrived at one end of the Reserve and was hurriedly feeding up on grass. A beautiful duck that is always worthy of a photograph.

What is common and found all the year around at Lodmoor is the Eurasian Teal Duck.

Not so common, but generally visits in small numbers is the instantly recognisable Avocet.

However as it was an extremely bright day with low Sun, the Avocet is not the best species to photograph. Even though I underexposed a lot, it was difficult to reveal the eye sufficiently. I may learn this one day.

 

There is always going to be a Robin to practice on and at this time provide some seeds for, because of the extreme gold.

Another regular is the Blue Tit.

In this area of the Country in the Winter the Chiffchaff finds food and shelter easily.

Many Lapwing were observed on the ground and flying around in disturbed flocks.

Mr Grey Heron rests and looks on after a spot of fishing.