Walrus!

There are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that really shouldn't be missed. This was doubtless one of them. A colossal male Walrus with massive tusks had turned up at Scarborough the week before, but the 3.5 hr drive put me off; besides, it swam off at the end of the day (the night before I had planned to go) and wasn't seen again. I presumed that was it gone, but secretly I also hoped for it to be on its way back up north, stopping off somewhere a little closer perhaps. Remarkably, it did precisely this: a week later, at 1.30pm on 2nd January a report came through on Birdguides - it was now resting on a pontoon in Blyth harbour, just north of Newcastle, a mere 1.5 hr drive away! I had to be quick, mind; the light would start fading at 4pm... but with clear skies (and clear roads hopefully) I had a chance of connecting and decided to go for it. An hour and a half later, I was enjoying wonderful views of this alien beast, resting, rolling onto its side, sitting up, sleeping... and whilst I was surrounded by like-minded wildlife enthusiasts... and families with screaming kids, there was a real sense of occasion. And by and large, the crowds were being polite and considerate. Angling my 500mm through the metal fencing at the end of the harbour, I managed to get some pleasing record shots and one or two that might make it onto the wall at home. An hour later and the light was gone, but I drove home a very happy man! Wow!