SCAUP 24-10-10

Had a lovely hour or so at one of Foghorns local patches this morning, Chester-Le-Street park. As usual the river was full of various wildfowl, mainly Mallards and Mute Swans, but today with a couple of extra bonuses. First off a stunning Whooper Swan in amongst the Mutes, and this was joined by a Pink Footed Goose. Three Goosanders were swimming on the far bank, alongside a couple of feeding Cormorants. Then, in amongst the Mallards an immature Scaup was feeding on the bread from the many locals, my first Scaup of the year. And finally, an absolutely glorious adult male Mandarin Duck. Obviously the origin will always be questioned but frankly I couldnt care less, I'm more than happy to see such a beautiful bird brightening up an otherwise dull, grey, miserable, cold autumn morning.

SCAUP (TOP) MANDARIN DUCK (MIDDLE) & WHOOPER SWAN (BOTTOM)