I couldn't resist another look at the long-tailed ducks this morning.....
It seems to be a good winter for this species, plenty up and down the coast and a good few birds on inland waters too...... Not every day you get to see these birds at close range so I am enjoying these beauties while I can. I can't deny that the camera always seems to get drawn towards the male, but the female has a charm all of her own, a more subtle bird and quite fearless too !!
I also visited the scrapes this morning. All the usual stuff there plus the long tailed duck still and 4 goldeneye, I wonder what they are feeding on ?
Today on the scrapes...
1 long-tailed duck
4 goldeneye
29 wigeon
62 teal
2 shoveler
12 mallard
4 redshank
5 dunlin
Nice photos Stringer!
ReplyDeleteGotta admit that some of the males have a charming drag-queen poodle vibe about them.
Good Birding
A
"I wonder what they are feeding on?"
ReplyDeletePond snails? Marine snails form an important part of their (normal) diet
Permanent water has only been here for a year or two (it was dry in 2011). I guess snails could come in on ducks feet or something tho..... Interesting point, maybe aquatic life is becoming more established here.
ReplyDeleteSimply stuning pics again G!
ReplyDeleteThanks Seumus !
ReplyDelete