The male Tufted Duck is black-and-white. {The female buff-brown}.
Here in the UK, there is a small breeding population of around 18,000 pairs. During the winter months, numbers increase to over 100,000 birds from as far away as central Russia.
Yesterday (12th January).
Large parts of our local lake were frozen. I was surprised to see a pair of Great Crested Grebes building a nest. Further on I was even more surprised. A second pair had built a nest and one of the birds was sitting on it.
#Wordless Wednesday.
The Common Greenshank is a medium-sized slim wader with a dark grey back and white underparts. It has green legs and a slightly upturned bill. At this time of year, I regularly see a small number of these birds.
The Curlew is the largest European wading bird, found on estuaries in winter and moors in summer. Look for its down-curved bill,
The Brent Goose is a small, dark goose – of similar size to a Mallard Duck.
This was my last visit before Christmas to our local nature reserve, Titchfield Haven. A couple of hours’ break there today, but the reserve is closed on Christmas Day.
Common Buzzard on his observation spot.
Lapwing landing.
Teal a pretty small duck.
Roe doe.
Mute Swan.
An eider raft is a large group of Eider Ducks that float close together on the sea. These rafts happen in the winter after they finish nesting. {Eider nest in the UK but are much further north than here} They stay close together to find food like shellfish and crustaceans by diving into the water
Fishing with no luck!
Eider Duck and Little Egret from Meon Shore.
Continued Reflections from my World. 