Splash Landing!

In a bit of a quandary today as to what image summed up today.

Finally went for this one that shows a female Tufted Duck landing in a small pond in front of the Hide at Newport Wetlands NNR - Goldcliff Lagoons.

The resident swans and Cygnets were a little surprised to say the least, I like the fact that one of the cygnets has actually disappeared under water.

A word about the Goldcliff Lagoons, which are a bit of a hidden gem of the Newport Wetlands NNR.
The pools are at the far eastern end of the reserve, as far away from the RSPB Visitor Centre as you can get and still be on the reserve. Maps of how to get there are available from the RSPB centre staff.
A word of warning - There is no official parking or facilities at this part of the reserve and although the three hides are designed for wheelchair access, the paths to them are unpaved, grass and are often very muddy.
The lagoons have a lot to offer bird-wise with Breeding Avocet, Oystercatcher, Ringed & Little Ringed Plover, and a large number of roosting Waterfowl and waders.

Reject blip today was this Soldier Beetle in the Copse, by the Hide, at the Uskmouth end of the reserve, only ommited as I have been rather insect focused lately ;)