On the 29th November an adult Black-throated Diver was reported on the lake at Gunners Park, Shoeburyness. The main attraction of this lake from a photography perspective is that although it is 300 yards long, it is only 60 yards wide as it its widest point, and therefore any sea birds that drop in from time to time are never far away.
When I arrived on the Friday morning the bird wasn't immediately apparent, but then appeared from behind the island at the western end of the lake and proceeded to swim in a determined fashion to the eastern end. I set up position at the base of the bank to be on more eye-level terms and just waited.
The bird appeared to be in very good condition, was very alert and although not diving was frequently looking under the surface. I was able to take a number of shots.
Then, it sat up in the water for a wing flap.
But then the unbelievable happened. It jumped out of the water and lolloped up the bank and disappeared from view. This was very worrying because of the number of dogs around and foxes at night.
The next day the bird was still present but according to reports was not looking too healthy and sitting in one place for most of the day. The following day it had disappeared. Let us just hope that it got away OK.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.