On this day (Jan 14th)... 2017 - Scaup trio!

 Flashback to Jan 14th 2017 and more wildfowl, this time three Scaup at Colemere...

I was on my way to the Mere gull roost, stopped off at Colemere and with the 3 Scaup right out in the middle of the mere, decided to check out the wood? A few Redpoll and a Treecreeper were the only worthwhile birds seen and with the clock ticking away, I retraced my steps... only to find the Scaup had now paddled within camera range!!!

I literally gave them 5 minutes but still managed to get some half decent record shots in the gathering gloom!

Ladies first - the female...

And the first winter male showing off his developing plumage!

The adult male always an irritating distance behind the youngster, impossible to get them both in focus!

But just about managed all three as they drifted away....

The Mere roost beckoned, only a few minutes lost!

Ellesmere - female Scaup

 A female Scaup has been hanging around the promenade area of The Mere recently but not today!! Nevertheless, Dave Chapman and myself were not going to give up and found it eventually in the NE corner...

For most of the time, cloudy conditions persisted! But eventually the sun peeked out!

 

And the odd wing flap is always welcome!

Colemere - Scaup

Old habits die hard but with January over, the need to see all the better winter visitors like this drake Scaup still persists. Dave Chapman and I chanced the Sunday morning free range dog mayhem at Colemere for distant views (it never strayed from the middle of the Mere!)

There was not much more to show from the morning.  The Whixall floods Little Egret was still in town but the Cetti's kept its head down in the freshening breeze!

Colemere - Scaup threesome!

I was on my way to the Mere gull roost, stopped off at Colemere and with the 3 Scaup right out in the middle of the mere, decided to check out the wood? A few Redpoll and a Treecreeper were the only worthwhile birds seen and with the clock ticking away, I retraced my steps... only to find the Scaup had now paddled within camera range!!!

I literally gave them 5 minutes but still managed to get some half decent record shots in the gathering gloom!

Ladies first - first winter that is...

And the first winter male showing off his developing plumage!

The adult male always an irritating distance behind the youngster, impossible to get them both in focus!

But just about managed all three as they drifted away....

The Mere roost beckoned, only a few minutes lost!

Whitemere - Scaup in the hand!

A quick check of Whitemere from the sailing club side revealed at least 3 first winter Scaup on the far bank. Too far for any kind of record shot so I nipped over the far side and got chatting to the fishermen.... they had no issue with me trying to get a record shot?

I did and with darkness approaching, here's two 1st winter males (grey appearing on the back) .....

Suddenly they became quite agitated and alert

Another 1w male had been accidentally hooked by one of the fishing lines. Considering they were ledgering in 20' of water, shows how deep Scaup routinely dive for food.....

And there was a happy ending, the Scaup was returned, clearly a bit shaken but flew a bit further out..

and started feeding again!  I'm pretty sure there were at least 4 poss 5 1w Scaup from 'scope views across the Mere (as there was one obvious female with a cheek patch) but 3 definite and one as close as you will ever see one!!