There weren't many birds on the water at Bwlch Nant yr Arian on Thursday
afternoon, at least as far as could be seen from the path: two mallards, two
little grebes, one black-backed gull and a goosander, which obligingly was
swimming close to the main path - a great photo opportunity, or so I
thought. Unwisely, I walked straight down to the water's edge with camera
and tripod, and - you've guessed it! - the goosander flew off to the far
side of the lake. It taught me a lesson: unlike mallards, goosanders are shy
and nervous. The attached photo could have been much better if I had been
more cautious.
Compared to a month or so ago, the kites seemed to come to the food more
promptly and in greater numbers. One albino preferred to feed on the ground,
while the others were flying off with their food.
Laurie Wright