Sunday 12 February 2012

SMEW IN THE SNOW


 

I wasn't planning on going out this morning but a text from Marc alerted me to the presence of a RED HEADED SMEW on Brook Reservoir.  Last week's bird I didn't connect with as I was too busy photographing the Kumlien's Gull at Dover.  Smew is an incredibly rare bird at Reculver and I assumed that I would have to wait a long time to see one.  However, arriving in driving sleet I made my way to the bank to see Tufted Duck, Wigeon, Pochard, a massive gang of Teal and no Smew.  Phoning Marc he told me it had spent most of its time sleeping and I eventually tracked it down.  The first photograph its usual pose which lasted for about 20 minutes.  The second photograph is its one looking up movement which at least I managed to capture.  The photographs that Heathy took it must have been on amphetamines.  Thanks for the text and a new bird for the area.

4 comments:

  1. This is excellent Phil but you need to 'know' a redhead Smew to see this one in both these images in particular the top one asleep.

    I'm about to link to you from Birds2blog which - if my spy-works are telling me correct - you just visited.

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  2. Thanks for the advice,Pete.Hopefully i'll get some better pictures this morning. Best Wishes Phil.

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  3. Always great to catch up with an unusual patch bird Phil.

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  4. Looks like there are a few Smew around kent at the moment, I wish the lakes on my patch weren't frozen over!

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