Red Breasted Merganser

The weather started off as it did yesterday - high winds and rain - the kind of weather that can really get you down. However, by lunchtime the sky was clearing and it was looking more promising.

The rain going off gave me the opportunity to go over to the local Heritage Centre and Tearoom and clear out more leaves from the gutters. As I was doing so the wind died away and the sun came out. Talk about a game of two halves - this was a day of totally contrasting morning and afternoon!

As I had the camera with me, I took the opportunity to go down to the harbour to try and get a shot of the Eider Ducks, which have returned for the winter. Unfortunately, the sun was sinking behind the hills and only the far away part of the harbour was in sunlight. The ducks stayed at a distance and out of range for a decent shot. However, a Red Breasted Merganser popped up to the surface on the edge of the sunny water and just within range. As soon as I got this shot the sun started to disappear from the whole harbour and I was wishing I had arrived a bit earlier.

The shots a bit grainy because of the distance, but at least there is some light and colour on the water and Merganser.