A 48 hour period of travel was spent with Gemma in Swansea followed by a swimming event in Somerset! After this - at least an hour of 'culture' taking in Wells Cathedral.....
Did you know this clock is considered to be the second oldest clock mechanism in Britain and probably the world to survive in it's original condition and still in use!
The original works were made about 1390 and the clock face is the oldest surviving original of its kind anywhere.When the clock strikes every quarter, jousting knights rush round above the clock and the Quarter Jack bangs the quarter hours with his heels.
I bet you are all transfixed, contemplating this amazing timepiece but...... daylight was burning......
I managed to get the nod that a (few minutes) look at Cheddar reservoir would be acceptable?
That is until a brief scan revealed both Long-tailed Duck and a pair of Pochard within 40m of the path drifting amongst a large flock of Pochard!
Here's the Long-tailed Duck.....
Let sleeping Ducks lie?
No! Waking up and cruising nearer.....
A stretch and wingflap!
Before a finale - just about managing to pose well despite side lighting :-(
Such a smart duck - 1st Winter drake...
Just needs to grow that tail a bit more!
Talk about working under pressure, the few minutes stretched to at least half an hour (thanks Gemma!)
Red-crested Pochard coming next......
