Velvet Scoter
Black velvet and that little boy's smile
Black velvet with
that slow southern style
A new religion
that'll bring ya to your knees
Black velvet if you
please
I have to say that I blame Bob Hazell for today's excursion to Eyebrook Reservoir! In conversation at Draycote Water a few days ago, he expressed surprise that I had not been to Eyebrook Reservoir to touch base with the adult male Velvet Scoter. This sowed a seed in my mind that was reaped this morning with an early morning visit. Unfortunately, the last week has not been good for light, and today continued with this theme! Although the bird was quite close, an ISO of up to 1600 was needed! I am, however, grateful to Bob!
Arriving at the Eyebrook Fishery at the dam, I met a very pleasant chap, Andy Miller who stated he had not seen the Velvet Scoter this morning. However, a quick scan soon located it on the Rutland side of the dam. It was rapidly moving towards the Leicestershire bank so I waited by the reeds for closer views. I was not to be disappointed, the Scoter came up to the fishing pontoons to dive and feed and then move out again. This seemed to be its routine. I was really pleased to get such good views as normally these birds are seen miles out to sea with Common Scoter and only identified by the white flashes!
Velvet Scoter
Pure velvet ...great image Kevin and great blog. Having read your background, I reckon you must know an old friend of mine from a long time back, Nick Fellmeri. Dont know how to spell his surname, but if you do have contact with him via the ambulance service, would you drop him my email maxwelllawphotography@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI did briefly get in touch 20 years back but lost details..
Back to the birding ... great find on Eyebrook and I hope it stays another week. I will be in Leicestershire from Dec 19th for a week so drop me a line if you fancy another crack at this great little star wars sea duck.
Hi Max and many thanks for your comments. I do not know anyone by the name you quote, but I do know a Mick Fennell. If this is the person, I will gladly pass on your contact details. He is on facebook. I didn't find the Scoter which has been present for several days, but today was my first chance of getting over. Not sure if I will get back to Eyebrook this year - back to work on 23rd!
ReplyDeleteSome people have all the luck.
ReplyDeleteInsanely jealous of Horsham.
A very obliging bird, Mike - would have been fantastic in good light!
ReplyDeleteWas showing well today too Kevin however the rain was "persistent" if you know what I mean. Great shots you nailed another one!
ReplyDeleteCheers Steve - great to see a male adult bird very close!
ReplyDelete