Draycote Water

"Love is in the Air"

I usually avoid Draycote Water at weekends because it is so busy and avoiding the runners, cyclist, walkers and buggies can be more challenging than finding the birds! Today, however, was due to be sunny and bright so I arrived at first light and walked towards Draycote Bank to touch base with the Red Breasted Mergansers. I spotted them just off the inlet but by the time I arrived there, they had done a disappearing act! To compensate, in the early soft light, a pair of Great Crested Grebes were engaging in their courtship display, which included presentation of a clump of weed!

Great Crested Grebe ("Love is in the Air"!)

While attempting to find the Red Breasted Mergansers, a bit of a scrap took place with a group of Goosanders eager to have breakfast!

Goosander

I decided to walk back to Farborough Bank meeting up with this Dabchick off Hensborough Bank.

Dabchick

On my way towards Farborough Bank, I met Max Silverman who had been lured to Draycote by the sunshine and was off in search of the Mergansers. On Farborough Bank, it was nice to meet Pete Walkden and later George Wootton. The drake Smew was soon found but not as close as it has been.

Smew

Also present here was a pair of Goldeneye, the drake being one of my favourite birds.

Drake Goldeneye

Two final birds today, the Great Northern Diver was in Toft and the Long Tailed Duck which refuses to come any where near camera distance!

Long Tailed Duck

This is the distance that the Long Tailed Duck prefers to keep!