This is a female Widgeon photographed today on Exminster Marsh. This is possibly one of the most atttractive of female ducks. They are a very wary bird under normal conditions and not easy to approach but today I got lucky when this pair were feeding close to the road by an icy ditch.
A Drake Widgeon feeding on grass late this afternoon.
I posted yesterday about waders on the river and told of the plan to get some photos today. It was cold, very cold and I struggled to keep warm in the really unusual conditions. I built a cover amongst the rubish on the shore and waited for the tide to bring the birds close to me. I hadn't realised, but today was a neap tide and the river didn't get high enough to reach my position. As well as that, the mud was fozen solid and the birds were feeding on the fields instead. However, a few birds came close and I snapped off a few shots. On my drive back over the marsh a few birds were feeding very close to the road and with the late afternoon sun they were showing perfectly.
This Redshank flew in front of me. It started to forage and I got some great close ups, Eventually it wandered out of range and I continued to wait for a better opportunity but today, it didn't happen.
This is another Grey Plover, one of the few birds that came close to me.
I really love Black-tailed Godwits and try not to take them for granted because they are so visible on Exminster Marsh but they are very attractive particularly when the large flocks take to the air. A beautiful flock were probing deep in to the ground and seemed to be finding something to eat. I slowed he car to a stop and quickly took some shots before I obstucted any of the traffic. It's not often that you get the chance to get really close with the sun coming from the right direction and I made the best of it. I am chuffed with this photo!
Wildlife in a Suburban Garden 
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