Ring-necked Duck

Hubby is off to Belgium this weekend for a games convention, so an airport run to Manchester was needed, followed by a stop on the way back at the big Sainsburys for some cheap wine. They had run out at the smaller one we use at Chapelford yesterday and it was too good an offer to pass on at less than half price.  

After I got home, I saw on Bird Guides that a Ring-necked Duck had been seen at Taylor Park, just a short drive away and as the sun was shining, off I set. 

I got half way round the lake when the sky clouded over and the hail/rain storm started. I was ill prepared for this as I'd not taken an umbrella or even a proper waterproof so I stood under a tree to shelter - it provided very good cover indeed. It was a bit too far to get back to the car without getting soaked, plus, I'd not yet located the rare duck. It's an annual vagrant from North America and until earlier this year, I'd never even heard of it. I finally found it hanging out with the Tufted ducks in the middle of the pond(of course) and eventually it came close enough for a shot or two, even if it was still raining. It didn't look like it was going to brighten up much and as I'd got my blip, I eventually made a run fast walk back to the car after it flew off further across the lake. Good to see again though.