During a very brief visit to Falmer Pond today I spotted a most unusual newcomer. It had distinctive dark green and white plumage, and a dive that was characteristic of the way a cormorant dips under water. it was clearly not a hybrid duck (my first though when I glimpsed it from a distance. Turns out it was a goosander (Mergus merganser). It’s possible I’ve seen this species before, though certainly not down here at the local pond. Definitely a rare sighting in these parts.

The light was shockingly poor and most of these were taken at ISO 3,200 (the final one at half that). I would have loved more time there to capture the diving sequence properly, but have to be content with what I did manage to get. It was a really pretty bird, and from what I can discover is only seen this far to the south of the country during the winter period. They are much more common in the north of England.

Here’s a few more photos.

It will be interesting to see if it is still there tomorrow, or whether it has flown on the larger watering holes. Little doubt though that these little guys will still be around.

Falmer Rat eating bread left for the ducks – ISO 6400

Camera note: all photos taken with the Canon 7D Mark II and EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L USM IS lens.