Unplanned trip back to Lancashire - 13th November 2010

Due to problems with my laptop (my hardrive has died!), I had to come home over the weekend in order to get the laptop diagnosed and sent off to Toshiba. I took advantage of this unnecessary train cost, and decided to get a year tick in the form of either the juvenile Great Northern Diver at Fleetwood Marine Lakes, or the Great White Egret on the Ribble near Clitheroe. I felt that the Diver would be easier to see, and also I would have less chance of getting another try before the year is out. The Egret could well winter on the Ribble or Leighton Moss.

juvenile Great Northern Diver

Arriving at the Eastern Lake of the Marine lakes, it didn't take long at all to see the bird on the far side of the lake. It did however appear quite nervous and alert. It was soon obvious to the reason why. There were two remote control speed boats that were traveling at an alarming speed and were very very loud. We were all worried that the actively diving diver would resurface and get hit by the boats as they were passing as close of 10 feet traveling at at least 45mph, if not more!

Arriving at the far side of the lake, we waited patiently for the Diver to pass by, and it did not disappoint! It showed stunningly well, but I was shooting on a very low aperture and my photographic results are quite disappointing as the only in focus shots were of the bird when it was quite distant. I would have been able to get some stunning photos in the afternoon sun if I was a more competent photographer! I still enjoyed watching my 222nd species of 2010, equaling my previous best in 2007. I hope to reach 230 by the end of the year.

The source of nerves

Leaving the site, we decided to head to Lytham Moss, where a Grey Phalarope was reported around midday. We arrived with 10 minutes of light left, but the bird was feeding on a flooded field, spinning like a mad man almost constantly. It was very entertaining and a nice Fylde Tick. My second Fylde Phalarope this year and both were within 2 miles of each other within 2 months of each other. Superb!

1st winter Grey Phalarope