A lovely walk at Siblyback and duck city @ Dozmary Pool

As it was such a lovely afternoon me and Rachel decided to head up to Bodmin Moor for a walk around Siblyback Lake , it was almost like a summers day as we headed along the shoreline and even the Butterflies were out in force as a late Clouded Yellow butterfly zoomed across us and over the lake. The lake itself was quiet for birds but we enjoyed seeing a dash of blue as a Kingfisher sped past us never to be seen again whilst a couple of Firecrest's showed briefly in the dense cover of the conifer trees. Near to the hide we spotted an interesting diving duck which looked good for a female Scaup , Rachel spotted the all white wing bar whilst I noted the rounded head, obvious white blaze around the bill , slightly larger size than the Tufted Duck next to it, smaller 'nail' on the end of the bill and the subtle grey vermiculations on the flanks. This is always a nice find in Cornwall so we were very pleased! Also I believe it was a new bird for Rachel ! ( although she is not so sure about watching ducks , she is warming to them!). A few more woodland birds were seen plus the aftermath of storm Brian had uprooted a very large tree which showed the power of the storm we had the other day. Apart from this it was just nice to be outside and to spend time with Rach as she is such nice company...

Common Darter- still out in this unseasonably warm weather

Female Scaup - subtly stunning ( note the neat nail on the tip of the bill , would be smaller if Lesser Scaup, head shape would also be more peaked)

Note the white wingbar , rounded head and prominent white blaze around the bill

I don't usually bother with Magpies! But they are always characters

This Pied Wagtail looked stunning in the good light

Red Admiral enjoying the sun

With time ticking we sped across to Dozmary Pool to see the Ring-necked Duck and I was amazed to spot a female Long-tailed Duck! A rare bird on Bodmin Moor ( my 3rd record on the moor, following a drake at Dozmary many years ago and a female type at Crowdy ten years ago.) as they tend to be seen in small numbers each year nearer on the coast rather than inland. Sadly it was time to head home as time was getting on but as usual a great afternoons birding!