Today was quite unusual as today it was as cold as it used to be when I used to visit Abberton in the winter during the 1960s. Sadly these days the Goldeneye numbers are well down on what they used to be, but this male was quite keen to have his photograph taken.
And in the 1960s there weren't any Great White Egrets, not even Little Egrets. Great Whites are now resident at Abberton with numbers normally hovering around double figures. Must remember the secateurs next time.
At the Layer de la Haye causeway the Black-necked Grebe was fairly close in, obviously enjoying the shallower water there. What a remarkable red eye!!
But the stars of the show today were the Goosanders which were feeding close to the sluice and providing a multitude of photographic opportunities in near perfect light conditions. Even the duller red-heads were looking resplendent in the afternoon sun.
I then tried to photograph a drake but this Goldeneye kept on getting in the way. How annoying is that?
I have photographed Goosanders several times in different locations but have never seen so many birds close in. I really didn't know where to start.
Well, another super day at Abberton and good to see John Pringle and some of the other locals. It was only when I got home that I heard of the sudden death yesterday of my good friend Peter Triston. I had known Peter for several years and always enjoyed meeting him around Essex for a chat. What a wonderful guy. It was only two days ago that I wished him Happy Birthday. RIP Gentleman Birder. You will be sadly missed.
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