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8 March 2022 - Hollingworth Lake

Summer-plumaged Little Grebe on the reserve with the female/immature Goldeneye and three Goosander dropping in at Hollingworth Lake

Little Grebe , 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400, 220 mm
Little Grebe , 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 400, 220 mm

Cold, clear and sunny again this morning after overnight frost. Had a message from Andrew to say he'd seen a Water Rail in the ditch just after the playground, but by the time I got there at about 8:40 there was no sign.  On the reserve however was a summer-plumaged Little Grebe, which performed quite well, if a little distantly.  The (presumed same) female/immature Goldeneye was also on the pool, and three Goosander dropped in while I watched.

As usual, a few Redwings flew up from the grass in Pavilion wood.  Then just past the sea cadet hut a male Chaffinch was in song, always good to see, and the first one I've been able to capture on film for a good while.  

The lunchtime walk was uneventful, with just a few Goosander around, and a single drake Teal on the reserve.

Little Grebe & Goldeneye, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 250, 220 mm
Little Grebe & Goldeneye, 1/500 sec, f/5.6, ISO 250, 220 mm
Chaffinch, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100, 220 mm
Chaffinch, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100, 220 mm
Goosander, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100, 220 mm
Goosander, 1/800 sec, f/5.6, ISO 100, 220 mm