Paxton Winter Water Birds

Thursday morning was dull with showers but it brightened in the afternoon so I took my camera out to see what wildfowl are around - pleased to see Goldeneye, Shoveller and Little Grebe. It was very windy so the water was choppy.

Stanwick Lakes - Where Were All the Birds?

 The very high water levels in the Lakes and the river Nene resulted in a lot fewer birds than previous visits. Coupled with overcast skies and strong winds meant we had a pretty sparse day as regards subjects to photograph though the feeders produced good opportunities including Muntjac deer.

. However, the group enjoyed a long walk round the reserve and a warming drink/lunch in the visitor centre

Paxton Pits on Ice

It had been cold enough overnight for the lakes to have a thin coating of ice which baffled the Black-headed Gulls but left the Goldeneye and Widgeon happy. The Herons sat around looking grumpy while the smaller birds and Squirrels foraged for food.

 

Paxton Pits

It was such a beautiful clear sunny morning that the mountain of house jobs got abandoned in favour of a trip to Paxton Pits. There was not a lot around but two Goldeneye kept us amused for a time along with Tufted and Mallards. I experimented with very dark backgrounds for the Great Crested Grebe and Swan.