More shades of grey (and black and white)

Making the most of a visit down south, I set myself the task of connecting with three potentially photogenic semi-rarities and despite all of them giving me the run-around initially, it was a case of veni, vidi, vici. The hardest to photograph was undoubtedly the Great Grey Shrike an Cannock Chase; with no cover around, it was tough getting within 50 yards of the bird before it flew. I felt I could have done better with the Smew at Holt but the presence of other photographers here soon after I found it (it took me an hour!) meant that my movements were restricted. I had most success with the Black-throated Diver at Arrow Valley Lake, which performed brilliantly (on my second visit) and came ridiculously close at times. The problem on all three occasions was the poor light; the dull conditions fortunately meant that the whites weren't 'blown' but many of my shots were blurred. Anyway, I managed to get my best shots of all three species. These are the pick of the bunch: