Cleethorpes in the rain

Specifically this was a photo shoot. I wanted to get close to the red-necked grebe that is wintering on the lake at the country park. Bird found after deciding to try where I saw a black-throated diver a year or so ago. Soon spotted a likely candidate. I don't think any more words are needed really.

Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe

A red-necked grebe in winter is pretty monochrome so I thought a black and white version might be quite nice...

Red-necked Grebe

A few more: will I ever get this close again?

Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe Red-necked Grebe

To round off a good day I moved on to Blacktoft - taking the scenic route. All the swans I saw in the fields were [as usual] mute. It was very windy and I had only been in Singleton about 20 minutes when male and ringtail hen harrier roosted. Time: 14.50 - unbelievably early. Red-necked Grebe

I went home happy. 129 UK 2016 so far!