Land-locked!

 

 



 

Field sketches of GND, Ladywood Lake, Mirfield, 21st Dec 2013

 

 

Back in December, this Great Northern Diver appeared at Ladywood Lake, Mirfield. As a lot of my field sketching is done of water birds, then divers are simply irresistible! This bird is was still in situ last week, still in winter plumage and is apparently healthy, although there is a rumor that it may not be able to take off due to the site being not much bigger than a village pond! At the time I sketched it was showing remnants of summer plumage, so if it does stick around and moults into adult summer garb then a second visit will definitely be on the cards.
Composition's a bit boring but considering I rely entirely on memory and scribbled notes I was pleased with my attempt at rendering the choppy water and the bird's oily plumage.
I could get a camera and make life a lot easier - but where's the fun in that!
Cheers