First trip out for a year or so yesterday

[rolf]

Got a twitter notification from the local birding group to say that there was a Great Northern Diver at nearby Theale/Pingewood, so headed down there is the van. Went to put the camera on the monopod, only to find it wasn't in the van, no idea where it is, but would guess at it being in france still.

Anyway, had brought the carbon fibre tripod and despite the camera/scope mount screw being missing, managed to rig the scope onto it and headed over to the lake.

The Diver was a way off at the other side of the lake, so no photos, but did get a very distant shot of a pair of Goosanders.

[Catherine]

Love those Goosanders! Great hairstyles!

[rolf]

Yes, lovely birds Catherine, popped down there briefly this afternoon, but the lake was nigh on empty. Did snap a Red Kits in a tree though.

[Catherine]

Nice shots! I have never been so near them. Nearest I have been was at Culzean in April, 2007 when one flew high overhead chased by a Crow! I told the park rangers - who were too late to see it, and sent pics to Ayrshire Birding, but although they said they'd list it as seen (as not many have been seen in Ayrshire) they never did!

These were the pics I was proud of then! (So you did well!)

[rolf]

I was trying to get closer to it, but I've found it's practically impossible to sneak up on a Raptor.

[Catherine]

You'd maybe need to disguise yourself as a big whatever-they-like-to-eat and they'd come to you!