Midwinter goodies

A nice selection of wintry fare in the area this afternoon, including a photogenic flock of Long-tailed Ducks which remain on the Ythan Estuary, though sadly there was no sign of the Slavonian Grebe present on Friday.

On Cotehill Loch the pair of Whooper Swans are still present; only their activity prevented the entire loch from freezing in the week!

We took a trip around Slains looking for geese, in a vain attempt to re-find a remarkable adult Pink-footed Goose with bright orange legs and feet that I'd seen on Friday. Interestingly I saw a similar bird in the area back in 2007, and would love to think it was the same one.... but no luck today. Excellent consolation prizes were had, though, in the form of a Merlin hunting the Chaffinch flock at Feu Farm, and the long-staying white male Hen Harrier quartering the fields there. Three Fieldfare were also present at Feu.

Had a look at Collieston harbour last thing, noting the Scoter flock still offshore, and had good views of a first-winter Iceland Gull by the flagpole, despite the failing light. A fine afternoon's birding.

Iceland Gull, Collieston harbour

Long-tailed Duck, Ythan - one of c.20 birds
 

Whooper Swans still keeping Mallards company on Cotehill Loch