Snow Bunting at Grafham Water 3rd January 2022

Back to Grafham Water in Cambridgeshire after my failed attempt to see and photograph Great Northern Diver. This time there was an added incentive as a Snow Bunting had been reported on the dam. The day started bright and sunny but I knew it would cloud over by lunchtime so I was in position just before 9am. Walking to the dam a few Goldeneye were offshore with some Tufted Ducks.

The Snow Bunting had been reported further round the dam the previous day, but I spotted it much nearer the car park on the sloping side of the dam and had it all to myself for some close up shots. It was feeding quickly, looking for seeds and difficult at times as it came right underneath the dam wall.

Quite unusual to have one so far inland as in Winter they are more of a coastal bird on the East coast. I did manage to take a bit of video as well.

Now to try and find a Diver! The tower area is a favoured spot so I staked that area out and had distant views of a juvenile Great Northern Diver, but wat too far for a shot. The Black-headed Gulls kept me amused while waiting.

As did a Common Gull.

Eventually, the adult Great Northern Diver appeared and while not exactly close, I did manage some reasonable shots in the changing light. An amazing bird, as it can stay under water for a very long time and reappear a long way off!

Not a bad way to start 2022.