I really like ducks, they are so pretty and very photogenic. This afternoon I went over to Roadford Reservoir, I haven't had the opportunity to get out as much this last few days and I have missed a few good opportunities so I was keen to make the best of it. First of all, in the forenoon, I went to try and find the Bonaparte Gull that has been seen and photographed at Teignmouth. Once I had parked up I started sorting through the flocks of gulls but inspite of an hour or so of searching I couldnt find it, a "needle in a haystack" springs to mind. So next, I went to Roadford Reservoir where there has been a Grey Phalarope for the last week almost……….. I didn't think it was going to be too difficult. But it was! I had reallly good directions to where it had been seen, (even this morning). So when I started the walk along the water's edge, I thought I would find it easily. The weather, unfortunately, had started to deteriorate and it just got worse and worse. But, I had made a big effort, so I carried on, quite confident that I would find it. I wasn't dressed for it, I got very wet and muddy but still I couldnt find it. It got wetter and wetter and with every drop that trickled down my neck, I repeatedly asked myself "was it was worth it". Never the less, it was good to get some excercise and fresh air. It wasn't a complete waste of my time though, not only for the good walk, but as you can see from the picture above, it turned out to be very successful in the end…..oh , and I still didn't find the Phalarope!
Its not a Bonaparte Gull, (it's a Herring Gull of course), but its always good to keep my hand in when it comes to flight photography.
Wildlife in a Suburban Garden 
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