Great Northern Diver and Hybrid Scaup - Shustoke

Today we headed to Shustoke for the Great Northern Diver which has relocated to Shustoke from Ladywalk fishery, also we got some photos of the Hybrid Scaup.
It was a very enjoyable day spending the whole day photographing and getting to see the Diver close love these birds I find them fascinating when they dive and then just disappear for ages lol
Also the Hybrid Scaup has proven to be a challenge, Dave loves a challenge ;) I find it very intriguing learning from Dave and reading others opinions, Alan Dean has gone into alot of detail in his blog about the Hybrid Scaup.  http://deanar.org.uk/general/articles/aythya.htm
I could look at this bird a million times and not pick up on what Dave and others see don't think my observation skills will ever be that good but i'm learning everyday which is what I love about birding.

 

Great Northern Diver- Ladywalk Nature Reserve

Went to Ladywalk to see the Great Northern Diver a tick for me for Warwickshire so special when its a local tick and I love great northern divers, was quite distant but still lovely to see.
As he was in the fishery which is private we couldn't get any closer.
We went again on boxing day and the Fishery manager gave us access which was so kind of him and really nice to have better views and get a couple of record shots.

Great northern Diver at Clayhanger

As it was a clear day we went back again the Clayhanger to see the Great Northern Diver, and too add it on the year list, got a couple of clearer photos.

We then went onto Draycote, had nice views of the Goldeneye. we waited to check the Gulls at roost I saw yellow legged gull, such a clean looking bird.

Ryder's Haye lake - Great Northern Diver and Whitacre heath and Ladywalk

Went to Ryder's Haye lake again at Clayhanger on Boxing day for the Great Northern Diver wanted to get some photos with my new camera, was showing well again could watch him diving in and of the water all day, very enjoyable to watch and take photos off.

On the 27 th we went to Whitacre Heath was nice having a play with my camera there watching the birds through the hide and saw Marsh tit which was a new bird for me :)

We then went to Ladywalk got some nice photos of the Redwing and one of Fieldfare and distant views of the peregrine Falcon.

 

Ryder's hayes lake and Stubbers Green

This week has been amazing my boyfriend took me to Ryder's Hayes lake in Pelsall to see the Great Northern Diver he said we should get excellent views but I thought it will most likely hide knowing my luck lol but Dave was right, from the minute we got there it was showing well, kept coming nearer then came really close directly in front of us, was amazing to see all the details on him with my own eyes, will never forget that experience.
   Afterwards Dave took me to Stubbers Green to see all the gulls, there was lot's of great black backed gulls which was nice because I had only seen them from afar before, this were a lot nearer and with the bins got excellent views could really tell the size difference there so big.

Rutland water, Swithland Reservoir and Chasewater

A lovely sunny saturday we started at Swithland Reservoir to see the Great Northern Diver stunning bird, was quite far out but did come slightly nearer and had good views from the scope.
We then went onto Rutland water saw a male Smew and Egyptian geese and a little egret was showing well nice to get some photos.
Afternoon we went to Chasewater for the gull roost, totally amazing I have never seen so many gulls, saw my first Caspian gull beautiful elegant looking gull.

Some views of the Scenery at Rutland water and Swithland Reservoir, beautiful places, so tranquil.