Midwinter at Ice Station Draycote.

As I hadn't been out for a few days due to the cold weather I gambled this morning against getting frostbite and went over to Ice Station Draycote.It was still sunny when I got there and I was greeted by an almost empty car park but more importantly there was little wind so I might survive a walk round to the valve tower.I was wearing so many layers to keep out the cold that when I had to make a call of nature it took nearly 20 minutes

Near the outlet I spotted a Kingfisher and as it flew about I managed some flight shots.A bit out of focus but better than my previous efforts.

At the outlet I had a look for the leucistic Lapwing but there was no sign.The only decent bird there was a female Goosander .

Just past the inlet I spotted one of the Great Northern Divers but ,although it hung around for a while in the same spot it refused to come close in.One of the female Scoters was in view but far too far off for a pic.

I was pleased to see the drake Smew half way to the valve tower but a little too far out for a decent shot but nice to see at last.