This week it was the turn of Nick Watmough to choose our favourite picture.

‘Some dreadful weather in the week meant that for a couple of days the sightings page was struggling for photographic submissions. However, my sense that this would simplify choosing POTW was completely misplaced. Ducks are never easy to photograph under grey skies which made Adam Holme’s Shoveler and John St Ledger’s Greater Scaup noteworthy. Adam also provided a nice study of the Common Sandpiper that is wintering at Helston Boating Lake. Another long staying scarcity, the Perranuthnoe Yellow-browed Warbler, provided Steve Roger’s with a lovely image. Further technical excellence came in the form of Alec McKechnie‘s Black Redstart whilst Martin Webb’s Raven and Rich Bonser’s Iceland Gull provided a masterclass in correct exposure. And whilst I am not usually a fan of birds photographed at feeders; Marlene Rouncefield’s Bullfinch really brightened up my week. With the bar set so high, where was I going to go with my selection? Gerry Gillard and Aadhil Kahn had clearly had a great session with the Walmsley Barn Owl and a special mention must go to Richard Augarde for expertly capturing a Goshawk in close pursuit of a Woodpigeon. But for me the outstanding photo of the week is Rob McCleod’s stunning head and shoulders portrait of a Great Cormorant in full breeding plumage.’

Thanks Nick for a comprehensive summary and congratulations to Rob on capturing this fabulous image. The beauty of Cormorants in breeding plumage is easily overlooked and taken for granted.