The adult drake Ring-necked Duck was absent at Westport Lake this morning and what was most probably the same bird, re-found at Astbury Mere, Congleton this afternoon. If it is on the move again tomorrow and continues northwards it would be worth looking out for in GM.
I really like that Spotted Shank at Leighton - always seems to feed within 5m of the hide - on one pool or the other - its been really interesting to watch its plumage change over the couple of visits I've had - shame I never saw it in its proper summer stage!
Best moment for me so far was however the 2 GWEs - especially as I think I can count the 2nd one that flew in as self found! I was grinning like an idiot all the way home that day!
Edit - just checked RND is 199 - 1 more to go...
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Wednesday 14th of October 2009 09:52:25 PM
Phil I think we may start something here after all it is a discussion forum.
We need firstly to define what we mean by stunning/stunner. I take it as read that it means "knock-out" - because of its supreme excellency or attractiveness (Chambers dictionary).
Secondly we have to appreciate the old saying "that beauty is in the eye of the beholder" - so what one person finds stunning is not necessarily a wow to another person.
So your assessment of our RND as being a stunner is fine - your choice, go for it. I saw it as an interesting bird that had flown a long way to get where it was and decided to have a look - I didn't find it particularly stunning (to look at).
What do I find knockout then? - and this is where we may get some comments as to what other birders find "stunning".
Well just recently I was at Leighton Moss and saw two Great White Egrets - really nice, 6 Bearded Tits - great, but the big kick for me that day was nothing grander than a lone Spotted Redshank with some Greenshank now that really was a "stunner".
Curiosity got the better of me this morning and feeling the need of a spot of fresh air decided to venture down the M6 despite the weather. Thanks to the tips from Phil and Pete found the lake very easily and had the bird in my scope at the far end of the water by 07.40!! It did stand out from the Tuffties by the busy way it was acting and of course that distinctive bill and white peaks on the flanks helped. As the weather had brightened up I walked round the circuit and got quite close up views. Can't say it was the most stunning bird I have ever seen but something different I guess. Off to Sandbach flashes.
I would definately like to see it again in the not too distant future when the plumage will be even better.
I was speaking to the guy who originally found the bird and he reckons that the reason why it has stayed so long, is that it is typical of a Ring-Necked to fully complete its moult first and then move on.
We are getting towards that stage now as it did look a stunner (there must be some really jealous Tufties there!!)
Here's hoping that it stays a bit longer for even better views before it eventually decides to go.
Glad you found it OK Phil, really impressive once you pick it out I reckon, if it hangs around a bit longer I may go and look for it again when its finished its moult. Cheers, Peter
Good views this afternoon of the Drake Ring-Necked Duck.
Took a while to find it as there were lots of Tufted Ducks about, but once you notice the vertical white stripe at the front, it stands out quite easily.
Also present and worthy of mention were 2 Wigeon and 1 Goldeneye.
Only 45 minutes away down the M6 and real potential there for a rarity or two as shown with the Ringed Necked.
After seeing a few reports of the RND that's been at Westport for a few weeks I finally got a chance to go and have a look for it this morning. There were plenty of Great Crested Grebe, Pochard and Coot plus a flock of between 70 and 90 Tufties. After continually walking and scanning the main flock I found a potential bird then just had to wait 20 mins until it took its head out from under its wing. Having seen some of Rob Smallwood's shots from a couple of weeks ago its coming out of eclipse quite quickly so will look stunning in a few more weeks if it hangs around - mind you it looked pretty good today.
If anyone else is going for a look the white ring, which is actually at the front edge of the flank, is obvious from a distance and then of course the bill is a big help - when its not asleep! I got a bit excited when I thought I'd found a ferringous as well, but I've been helped to see it was just a Tuftie with an unusual white wing patch!
after all it is a discussion forum.