Black Mask

Not really a swashbuckling Zorro bird with black mask but impressive in his own way with such striking markings.

The dogs were honestly looking pathetic. Walkies just had to be on the cards so my planned trip to Slimbridge never happened out of guilt really. So set off in the car, and we all trotted the long route to the hide at the local lake. Opened the door and do you know, I recognised that hair. JDO sitting on a bench; glad she likes dogs :) 

There is one good thing about this Smew in that it moves around the lake. One minute you think it's gone forever well into the distance and the next it's within striking reach of a lens or lenses in this case. Touting a black mask he tootled round and at the last minute of reasonable light he came relatively near.

What better way to spend the afternoon  - shooting and chatting. Worked for me.