Ferruginous Duck

A Ferruginous Duck was found at a small park in Bedford on Sunday morning, a bird that is more normally found in southern Europe and Asia. This was on my way, of sorts, to my parents house (Bedford, not southern Europe and Asia) and I thought that a short diversion wouldn't way lay me too long!

On arrival at Priory Country Park in Bedford it was noted that all of Bedford had decided to come out for a walk with their children and dogs on a fairly sunny day, the day after the snow had melted. I had a quick scan with my binoculars and noted a small hide on the other side of the lake, so I started to walk in that general direction, soon meeting other binocular clad people who kindly directed me to the birds' haunt. The walk was quick and non-eventful, save some rather odd glances from the dog walking/children playing people of Bedford (how dare someone walk here with some binoculars around his neck, what kind of weirdo is he?). I entered the small hide where a kind gentleman put me straight on to the bird through his scope, a lovely drake fast asleep! A took a seat and waited for the bird to wake up. It put its head up about 4 times whilst I was there, when I managed to get the ropey shots below, but other than those rare times it sat with its head firmly tucked under its wing.

A lovely bird and my first drake in Britain and also a species which my Nephew can pronounce, although his Dad has a slight difficulty!