Royal Berkshire has an abundance of water fowl and that day I took several photos that I still consider among my best. This one of a Canada Goose remains my favorite.
The Mandarin Drake at the lake was in full breeding plumage, it is a truly gorgeous bird ! Here he is surrounded by fluff from the catkins on the trees and bushes on the banks of the lake.
Steve in the meantime was catching a fair few fish and I was beginning to learn the names that would become so familiar to me. First one of the day was a little Roach, soon followed by the small Bream in this photo. Bream are very slimey and have the lovely nickname of "Snotties".
In the meantime a family of Mallards came to visit. Mom and the Kids.... There is something endearing about ducklings, I don't know what it is... can't put my finger on it, but everyone seems to go "Awwww... cute" when they see them.
Meanwhile Dad preened on the path all unconcerned. The colors of the Mallard Drake are beautiful when seen close up.
Then... Steve landed his first Carp and.... we were hooked... though we didn't know it at the time. Carp fishing is hard work and many days you head home empty handed.... but little did we know... lol.
Steve caught some Rudd that day, also, along with the Roach, Bream and Carp....
It was a great day out for me... I love being outdoors away from people.
Little did I know that next time out I would ask if I could have a go at fishing.