The 4am start for a long drive over to deepest darkest Wales was the start to what proved to be a stunning trip, The target this time was the Ynslas Estuary, the aberdovey to be correct, and there had been reports of a 1st Summer Female King Eider on the small river mouth of the Leri.

An early start proved the key as the boats from this inlet had not yet started to ply  the waters so all was quiet.

So with wet feet from the misted grass we arrived to a right good looking bird on the river Leri.

And it performed very nicely thank you.

1st-Winter-(female)-King-Eider-YN

 A bit of a shake after a longish dive was the first shot of the day.

Diagnostic or what?

1st-Winter-female-King-Eider-YN Followed with a bit of coy posing showing some fine detail.

And then the first boats started up and she moved toward the river mouth this was the last shot we were able to get as she found herself a nice dry islet and settled down to have a kip.

We waited for a long time but the boats kept coming and going so there was no sign of her returning

So it was of to the services for a good bacon butty and a coffee

So the early birders got the shots they were after albeit a bit distant.

Hope you have a great day tomorrow.

cheers

Paul