I had a message this morning telling me about a couple of Goosanders on Chard Reservoir in Somerset, so in typical eccentric fashion, I climbed in to the car in spite of the weather  and went to see if I could see them. 

As I left Exeter and headed further east, the roads got a little bit more frosty and there was evidence of settled snow but nothing like the BBC would have us believe. So my decision to travel was well justified and became worthwhile as well because as soon as I reached the Reservoir I could see the birds that I had come to find. I settled myself on the foreshore with the sun at my back and sat under a cam cover in the hope that the birds would come close. As well as the Goosanders, there was also a few Tufted Duck and the usual dozen or so Great Crested Grebe. I had been hatching a plan to photograph them for ages, and this was my reason to travel. At least, I thought, if I can't get good shots of the Goosander then  I can concentrate on the Grebe. This is pretty much the way it turned out. But I have to say that even though the Ducks didn't come close I did get some really good shots in the distance that's true, but never the less very pleasing.

There was two Goosanders, both red heads and therefore either female, or possibly a female and sub adult male. At one point I saw them greet each other with a bit of head nodding so I would assume that one is a sub- adult male and the other a female. It was interesting to see them climb out of the water on to the ice. They were uncomfortable with this and kept falling and slipping so pretty quickly returned to the water.

I have to say that I am a fan of Great Crested Grebe and always enjoy seeing them. Today it was really cold as I sat under the cover but I think if I had  applied myself a bit more , eventually at least one of the Grebe would have drifted very close to me. As it was, one almost did and I took a few photos which I am really pleased with, again considering the distance. This first one is nice but it's a real shame about the noise on the image which gives it a grainy effect and slightly detracts. But you can see that in the summer with really good light, I am convinced that I will get some glorious images.