Draycote Water

Sunrise

At last, a birding trip to kick off 2014! Heather accompanied me to walk to Toft Shallows and back, both sporting painful knees! Just about every bird seen was a year tick! Unfortunately, the light was poor but hey ho, it was a great feeling to be out in the fresh air. The drake Smew was still showing off Farborough Bank but later disappeared (as the light improved!). The Great Northern Diver was distant off Farborough Spit, but was later seen closer off the bank. Also distant off Farborough Spit was the Long Tailed Duck which is still diving for long periods. At least six female and one male Goosander congregated near the fishing pontoons and a single Grey Wagtail flew along the bank. A male and female Goldeneye graced the shoreline, giving very good close up views.

Goldeneye

Goosander with Black Headed Gull

Drake Smew

Great Northern Diver