Shelducks at Templeton Beach

We have been trying to photograph shelducks for over 6 months but we could never get close enough to them … until today. As soon as those ducks see you in the distance they fly off.

This morning we were at Templeton beach in Co Louth at 6.30 am just as golden hour was about to commence. It was blowing a gale with 60 km gusts but thankfully this particular morning I had far more layers on and didn't feel the cold east wind at all.

We knew that if we sat and waited someone walking along the beach would flush the birds towards us at Cooley Point. Thankfully some brave soul decided to walk along the beach and as a result the shelducks flew off in our direction!

Clickity click and we finally got some decent flying shots and this is one of my favourites. The golden light just illuminates this male bird so well.