Female Goosander

I had to drive through Ellesmere today so stopped and did my favourite walk along the canaland Blakemere. It was a walk of two parts - sunshine with a cold wind for the first half, stronger wind, snow, sleet, hail and sharp rain for the second half.

As I passed The Mere I spotted this female goosander sitting on a tree trunk in the water and preening. I'd never seen one so close as they're usually swimming along when I spot them. It's a member of the sawbill family with a hooked beak that is perfect for catching fish.