An email from Tom Tams on Saturday afternoon contained some very nice images of the seemingly settled drake ring-necked duck at Cowpen Bewley Woodland Park - so that was Sunday sorted then!
I picked up Colin Bradshaw at 10:00 and by 11:00 were were having our fill of this dapper drake. Cold conditions continue in the north-east, so it was little suprise to find that the RNDs chosen pool was 95% frozen. Luckily for us, the remaining un-frozen patch was close to the foot path, so at worst the bird was only 10 meters or so away.
The duck spent a considerable time dozing, so we had to be quick to shoot when he lifted his head! This species has a striking bill, and the orangey~yellow eye really did stand out. Given the birds close proximity plenty of shots were taken and I expect I'll post a couple of more quirky images during the week.
Tom had scored with bright sunny conditions on Saturday - Sunday was dull and it was not long before the snow arrived, forcing an early end to the photography. All was not lost though - Saltholme RSPB is only round the corner and we were soon enjoying views of twite and linnet from the relative luxury of the packed cafe, binoculars in one hand, bacon buttie in the other. Happy days!
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