After stressful hectic weeks, it was nice to have an afternoon free to be able to do a bit of birding.
I was itching to see the velvet scoter, even the horrible wet weather didn't put me off. The only hitch was that the conditions were a nightmare for taking pictures, very dull and drizzly. But I didn't do too bad considering....
The velvet scoter was showing well at the back, giving belting views when I got round there. I sat down in the corner of the bank when she was moving towards that area. It was working nicely until someone thought they could do the same but right in front of where it was, so she swam to the middle.
After 15 minutes, I retraced my steps to slowly headed back to my bike for home. Whilst I was going down the path, the scoter was swimming straight for me and I was amazed how close she came. This made me wonder where she would have come from as in my experience, all wild scoters like to keep a good distance from you.
Still, an excellent opportunity to enjoy this bird - but just my luck being the way it is, a growling dog made her turn and swim back!... I'm happy though, with the attached picture results.....
I was there Sunday Craig and took the Fall Birch Road turning off Chorley New Road. Easy to find and I parked up with ease on arrival near the private road on your left as you drive up, maybe worth pointing out though that some locals getting dogs out of their cars were talking and making sure they werent blocking that particular road, apparently the resident is always out complaining, which is totally understandable if her property access road is blocked!
Velvet Scoter still present at 3.30 pm, showing well close to the shore. Also present were c20 Tufted Duck, c 100 Black-headed Gulls, one or two each of Common Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull, plus Kestrel, Grey Wagtail and Redpoll.
What a pity I can't believe I missed you! I was there until just before 1.30! It was asleep for a while then came alive for photos when the sun came out. There were 2 Little Grebes earlier otherwise pretty much the same.
-- Edited by Steve Collins on Monday 26th of November 2018 09:27:57 PM
-- Edited by Steve Collins on Monday 26th of November 2018 09:29:25 PM
You missed me by about 10mins Mr Collins, I was there earlier this morning, Velvet Scoter roamed the whole reservoir over a couple hour period, eventually posing for some photos.
Velvet scoter showed well when I arrived around 2.20pm. Swam past me then drifted out a bit. We'll done to Phil who I actually got to congratulate when I arrived at Pennington flash later.