Reed Bunting made the day

First of all I apologise for a rubbish set of photos, but I was experimenting with a tripod and things didn't go according to plan, (do they ever)

The Derwent returning from a fishing trip.

     Anyway another sunny day was not to be waisted, so after a few chors I made my way over to Workington in the hope of  getting some pics of the Purple Sandpipers that very often frequent the harbour area. unfortunately in spite of the tide being in there was no sign of them. The sun was still shinning but it was a bitter cold wind coming down from the north.
       So as is usually the case in these conditions I made my way over to the relative shelter of Siddick Ponds.  Now for anyone that doesn't know the area, Siddick Ponds are inland just to the East of the coast road between Workington and Maryport, and from time to time pull some good birds in, but not today as it was pretty quiet.

Male Goosander

A male and 3 female Goosander

This could be the first time I've seen Goosanders out of water.

There was also a few Teal about

Three Cormorant sunning themselves.

On the main path that goes the length of the reserve, someone puts seed down which attracts a good variety of birds. 

                                                        Above female Blackbird

And a male Blackbird giving the impression its about to gobble up a female Reed Bunting

Female House Sparrow

Two female Reed Bunting

Male Reed Bunting with a pair of House Sparrows

Female Reed Bunting 

 A guy I spoke to had just seen a Bittern fly along a length of one of the ponds, wrong place, etc.