I think WJ has probably already noted we are in the best time for ducks, with an influx from foreign shores and most of the males putting on their fine winter wear. So, here are a few photos I've collected recently.
Male Shovelers can probably challenge for one of the brightest birds.
Not only did we have a pair of Pochard on a local park but they actually wanted their photos taken, posing right in front of me for once.
Amazing red eyes on the males.
However I do like the more restrained colourings of the female
She was even more happy to pose
Of course, it takes time to look your best
At another local park, I actually got a male Goosander showing its green head - it's amazing how often it just looks black and you can't see the eye!
I did say, if the sun came out, I'd try for the Velvet Scoter again, after all, I might never get such a good view again. Well, it was still there and even more remarkably it did get brighter over the weekend.
I don't think it came quite as close as before, but it wasn't too far away and I certainly can't complain about the view it gave me when I eventually found it. I walked all the way around and then found it right back at the starting point!
That about wraps it up for my collection of recent ducks
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Nige Flickr
Very nice and they are looking their best now Nige.
Jim
My Pictures
My Fbook Group
Wow, lovely selection of ducks and really good captures Nigel.
Lot to learn
A fantastic set of photos Nigel giving super clear detail very nice close ups. I'll bookmark this thread for good ID records ! Glad the VC was there again; we drove up M6 so were not close enough to pop in for quick visit to the reservoir area on Sunday. Will see if it stays around a bit longer.
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Regards, Hazel
Thanks all
Odd, isn't it, that the most rarely seen bird there, the Scoter, was the easiest to get close to and photograph. I normally have difficulty getting close to Pochard so for these two to pose was nice.
Stunning photos!
Regards, AnnaB
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