Common Scoter at Dorney Lake

After hearing from Dave Cleal that there was a Common Scoter on Dorney Lake, I thought it was worth a look.  It is probably the same bird as reported by Kevin Duncan on 27th but with a large passage of this species recently, it could be a different individual.

It was where Dave had last reported it earlier, on the main rowing lake around the 750 to 1000 metre markers and closer to the north bank.  There was a lot of activity on the lake with lots of rowers practicing in singles, doubles, fours and eights, but this did not seem to perturb the Scoter.  It just moved to one side or simply dived.  It is unusual to see much apart from Great Crested Grebes and Coots on the main rowing lake and I have always thoughts that the thousands of lane markers may put other wildfowl off.  However the Scoter did not seem to mind at all.

Common Scoter

Light conditions were not very good and I had to wait until the bird was off at an angle to reduce the glare.  At least I was closer than from the south bank.