Velvet Scoter: This superb sea duck specialist is more at home on the high seas but has made a dark, cold lake in the moors of Bolton at high rid its home for the last few weeks.
For a long while I had the place to myself, free from toggers and birders and after yesterdays very poor weather it was lovely to be out under the blue skies and calm winds, but it wasn't long until I was joined by other birders.
The velvet scoter appeared to be unperplexed by the groups of birders, dog walkers and joggers in their high vis clothing and was happily diving, resting up and good views.
Common scoters are dark, almost jet black in colour but the velvet scoter has an attractive white patch around its eye and also a white wing patch, which is very evident when it flies or preens on the water.
It won't stay forever and it was great to catch up with the bird again.
