Richardson's Cackling Goose #11

There have been 3 quite rare birds at Lunt Meadows this week - the Green-winged Teal that has been there since before Christmas, A Richardson's Cackling Goose that has been there just over a week, and a handsome drake Smew that arrived on Wednesday this week. Being only 20 minutes away, we couldn't pass up the chance of seeing a Smew as I've never seen one, so hopped into the car this morning. 
There was sunshine, rain, drizzle and the end of a rainbow whilst we were there, but despite half of the local birders hunting for it, the Smew was having a shy period. 
We didn't have the time to spend all day, so called it a day after 2 hours. We did manage to see the Cackling goose - a smaller version of a Canada Goose and the GWT which I blipped before Christmas, so 2/3 isn't too bad. Apparently the Smew didn't show again until 3.30 in the afternoon, so I'm glad we didn't stay. I might try again later in the week if the opportunity arises.
Some food shopping and then dinner at Mum's was the rest of our day.