Fishers Green, 30th January 2023

A Drake Smew had been reported on 70 Acre Lake, Fishers Green so time to go down and see if it could be located. Walking down from Turnford I was greeted by this obliging Robin. I know they are very common, but I can never resist a shot.

A leisurely walk around half of the lake drew a blank so I popped into the WDC. As luck would have it, the Bittern was showing well. Early in the morning is the best time for photographs before the sun moves round. This must probably be the most photographed Bittern in the UK!

Always a thrill seeing one so close! But back to searching for the Smew. Another circuit of the lake still failed to locate the bird. I had almost given up and was walking back around the lake to Cheshunt Lock when I noticed it obscured by trees. Two birders were further up and said it had just flew in. It was steaming away across the lake but I managed a couple of record shots. They used to be much more regular, but fewer are flying across from the continent to Winter here.

A very rewarding end to the day.