Sunday, 2 December 2018

Velvet Scoter - Bolton

A Velvet Scoter had been reported on High Rid reservoir in Bolton over a week ago. I was in Norfolk at the time, more than 200 miles away. I wondered if it would hang around for me to catch up with. My first opportunity was on Saturday afternoon, and it was still there.
The weather was really poor and the light even worse, but this visit wasn't really about the quality of pictures. It was a lifetime tick for me, having never seen one before.
On arrival it was on the far side of the reservoir. Typical! I trudged round in the drizzle, and it kindly played ball. It stayed close to the bank and dived for a minute or so at a time. A bird that should really be out at sea, it was nice to be able to see one just a short drive from home.

Could really have done with better light on a very dark day.








23 comments:

  1. In spite of the poor light, you managed some very nice shots of the Velvet Scoter. Have a great new week!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Well done. Pleased it hung around waiting for you to return from your jaunt to Norfolk.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The gray skies seem to hover, float with the bird. Thanks for visiting my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  4. AWESOME! When I saw your thumbnail at Our World Tuesday, I thought Scoter. I've seen ONE in real time, but not this velvet!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You always give us so much pleasure and such a great variety of birds no matter where you roam...for that I send along my thanks and appreciation for linking in with us at I'd Rather B Birdin. Have a beautiful week ahead & Happy Birding!

      Delete
  5. Always an education visiting your posts - once again a new species for me to enjoy!
    Thanks for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/12/gangly-and-gorgeous-blue-heron.html

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wonderful pictures of birds! Thanks for visiting my blog.

    ReplyDelete
  7. How cool to see a new kind of duck. How cute!

    ReplyDelete
  8. That was worth the drive then Adam. Those photos are great, especially considering the weather. I hope it stops raining for all of us soon.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello, these are great photo of the Velvet Scoter. I have not heard of this Scoter. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Happy Saturday, enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hello Adam!
    Great captures and wonderful pictures of the Velvet Scoter.
    Like the reflections in the water! Thank you for visiting my post.
    But it was a link from my other blog,and I replaced it now ,with my photography post.
    Enjoy your weekend!
    Dimi...

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hello Adam. Congratulations, you saw that velvet scoter! Great photos!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great when birds cooperate and stay within camera range!
    Congratulations on getting to add a new bird to your list.
    I enjoyed seeing your photos. It looks like a friendly duck
    Have a wonderful weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  13. ...this time of year 'better light' is a gift. Lovely images Adam.

    ReplyDelete
  14. a pretty duck, nonetheless!! i try not to go to take pictures when the sky is cloudy, as i am then disappointed with the pictures!! i think these images are beautiful, nice and clear!!

    congrats on the lifer, that is so exciting!!!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Gorgeous shots of the Velvet Scoter ~

    Happy Day to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

    ReplyDelete
  16. Scoters are indeed fascinating ducks. We get three species in the Great Lakes each winter and we always look forward to their arrival. So far I have seen White-winged and Surf. There are probably a few Black Scoters out there too, but they are always the least numerous, and are easier to find later in the winter.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I just love his beak! I need to trade you some bright Florida sunshine for a little bit of shade! lol Enjoy your weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  18. What an interesting bird! I'm happy for you it was there!
    (ツ) from Cottage Country Ontario , ON, Canada!

    ReplyDelete
  19. You got some good photos of the scooter....Michelle

    ReplyDelete
  20. this is a bird I have never seen. Great shots of a beauty. :)

    ReplyDelete

I enjoy reading your comments as much as I enjoy taking the pictures. Thank you for taking the time to comment on my post.