Well fancy that!

I have commented a few times at my disappointment on the lack of diversity of ducks on my local ponds. Basically Mallards and 2 mandarin in over 4 years.

As you may remember I was very excited about a pair of Gadwall. Well this morning I caught a duck swimming out of the corner of my eye. It seemed a bit more white than I might expect but some hybrid Mallards can contain white. 

It had gone out of sight but I wandered around the pond and....

Shoveler!!  Sorry for the lousy pic. Phone at 19x

When I wandered past 15 minutes later I couldn't see it. I'll look again tomorrow.

You know still can't believe a Tufted Duck hasn't turned up but I am very happy to see a Shoveler! 

Anglesey Abbey

Well firstly folks a happy Christmas. It was quiet here. 

I went to Anglesey Abbey which opened on Boxing Day for the first time. I was hoping for the Christmas Pudding Scone but alas there were none! 

It was a very dull grey day!! 

 

Well this was a surprise. Although given how mild it has been and that I often see then on Jan 1st.

This was at the spot where I often see them Jan 1st

Yes the bear hunt is still on! 

There seemed to be roses coming out!!

A nice stroll even if the weather was uninspiring! 

Ickworth

Given how many times I have been to Ickworth over the years it came as a shock when I find I haven't been there since Boxing Day! So this morning I got up and wandered to Ickworth.

Ickworth no longer do the Scone of the Month so no Christmas Pudding scone :( but the fruit one was good.

The house is decked out for the Earl-Bishop's continental tour of the continent. It is probably more for families I guess I preferred Wimpole dressed for Christmas.

A nice stroll in the cold winter sunshine.