Back in April, I spent a few evenings virtually standing in the river during the golden hour, hoping for a few close encounters. This female Goosander was a brilliant surprise as she quietly cruised past in the warm evening light, seemingly completely relaxed by my presence.
I’ve recently added one of these images as a greetings card on my Etsy page too, alongside plenty more of my British wildlife photography and nature prints. www.justwildimages.co.uk
This Mute Swan was ringed as a cygnet in November 2024 on the River Witham at Lincoln, last recorded there in January with its siblings and parents.
Fast forward to now, and I found it resting on the 2nd May 2026, on the River Welland at Deeping Lakes, where the Maxey Cut meets the river.
Thanks to Jenny at the Lincoln Swan Project for sharing this individual’s history.
After a call from my friend Hugh — who had just picked up a Little Tern on his patch at Maxey/Etton Pits heading in my direction — I kept a close eye on the skies at Deeping Lakes. Sure enough, just under an hour later, it appeared.
I’ve only seen a handful of Little Terns at Deeping Lakes, so it’s a great addition to my patch year list, which now stands at 144. It’s been a productive spell too, with a pair of Spoonbills added this afternoon.
