Canvasback at Abberton

I managed to see the Canvasback in November last year, however, the bird remained distant throughout my visit and the viewing location could have been better. It was with a large raft of Common Pochard and we had to try to pick it out as it swam between trees and bushes near the water's edge. 

On the 11th of August, a possible drake Canvasback was reported again at Abberton, the next day it was reported again as a "possible" and then later confirmed that evening. Brian was away entertaining the Grandchildren until Friday 16th, so our first opportunity was on his return on Saturday. 

We arrived at Layer Breton Causeway just after midday and were quickly told the general area the bird had been seen in by JP and ST. The bird was soon found and gave some decent if distant scope views. It would constantly dive to feed and didn't allow much time to view it before it was under the water again. We watched it for the next two hours and then it suddenly swam fast and direct towards us and the causeway. It left the water and walked onto the bank where it began preening. After an hour or so it eventually sat down and promptly went to sleep. 

This allowed us to scan the surrounding area, finding three Spoonbill, several Great White Egrets, and a single Cattle Egret. Also noted were Green and Common Sandpipers and a juvenile Little Ringed Plover.

The Canvasback was distant and close to the trees on the left-hand side upon arrival