Napton Reservoir: Grey Phalarope

I was away during the recent storm-driven influx of Grey Phalaropes into our area, but thankfully one individual stayed around in our area, at the Napton Reservoir in south Warwickshire.

I managed to catch up with this fabulous little wader (a juvenile) on Tuesday evening - just as the sun was getting quite low. 

The phalarope was feeding very actively, picking small prey items from just beneath the surface.  At times it came in quite close and I was able to secure the prime spot for photography, right next to the bird's favoured feeding area, for about ten minutes after others had left and before the sun's rays finally dimmed. The autumnal colours of the surrounding trees cast a warm glow across the calm waters of the reservoir.