Gorgeous Garganey

A quick early morning dash over to Longtown pools paid dividends today (1st June); a drake Garganey had been reported the day before and I took my chances that it might still be there. Remarkably, it was the first bird I set eyes on - tucked away in the overhanging vegetation. It took a while to get decent shots of it; typically shy and retiring, it would also take flight and clear off to the opposite side of the pool whenever it spotted my lens. I learnt to use what cover there was well, though, and gradually improved my chances with some pleasing results in the end - some of my best of this species.