An abysmal day of windy rain gave way by 6 o’clock, to a clear and sunny evening. It was too much to resist and I went out to the little pool, set up my hide and waited to see what came in. The sun was beginning to set, casting an almost golden glow on the water in front of me. My mind began to wander and then, suddenly my peace was shattered as a Mallard literally crashed in to the water only 2 or 3 feet in front of me. In the quiet it almost scared my, it was a real commotion. I was sure that she would react to the hide, panic and leave immediately but no, she never paid the slightest attention to it, swimming up and down in front of the lens only a few away!
I took a few shots as it was too much of an opportunity to let pass. This was not one of your tame “local boating-lake” Mallards but a true wildfowl who had come in to the pool to roost no doubt. When I got home and looked at the photos, it excited me to think of what might have been. Quite easily a Green Sandpiper, Heron, Egret or what have you could have flown in and no doubt will do. I hope that I am there to get the shot when it does happen. patience is the name of the game and persistence is part of the strategy!
Hope you like the picture, I do!