PhotoSP
Plate 233. A Ring-necked Duck has been a frequent winter visitor to the north side of Glasgow. It rarely stays long in one location, visiting inland waters such as Bingham’s Pond, Victoria Park and Mugdock Loch. This last winter was no exception and the local Grapevine confirmed sightings of it at the usual haunts. Then one dreich Sunday in March - a day I had decided to give over to indoor activities - the Grapevine reported a sighting in a new location: the Milngavie Community Centre pond. The Community Centre is just a five minute walk from my home, so I put on rain gear and went to see. When I arrived at the pond there were no other humans in sight but the normal occupants of the pond, Mallards, were much in evidence. Also, I could make out a group of ‘Tufties’ near the least accessible part of the pond. And then two people arrived to feed the ducks. The Mallards took immediate advantage and the group of ‘Tufties’ swam across to join them, passing within a few metres of me. There, towards the rear of the group and looking slightly bemused, was the Ring-necked Duck. I had an extender on the camera, but on this occasion it really was surplus to requirements. John Chapman, Milngavie, Glasgow. Email: Johnchapman2111@gmail.com
SCOTTISH BIRDS Volume 44 (3)
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Equipment used: Canon EOS R6 camera, Canon RF 100–500mm lens + RF 1.4x extender, 1/1,250 second, ISO 12,800. f10.
September 2024
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Scottish Birds published by the SCOTTISH ORNITHOLOGISTS’ CLUB
VOLU M E 44(3)
SEPTEM B ER 2024