My hide rota week just now and the feeders were empty and the hide area overgrown. This reflected on bird numbers coming in with only singles of Chaffinch, Robin, Dunnock, Wren, Blue Tit, Great Tit and around 12 Coal Tits. It's also a bit early and still no real frosts and the birds will be finding plenty of natural food.
A brief visit to Keptie Pond later didn't turn up anything new, and the number of dogs off their leads kept the birdlife on edge with owners shouting and dogs chasing any bird on or near the bank!
Top billing for the often unappreciated and colourful Chaffinch
Got told off the last time for the description applied to a photo like this
The only Goosander currently at Keptie Pond
The ever present Pintail hybrid, the females are also there, one with a drake Mallard
Just like the Chaffinch above, Mallards aren't given any attention from most people, unless they have wee bairns with them, the ducks and the humans. The Mallard who had 15 ducklings last week had only 4 yesterday, Tuesday
Drake Wigeon showing a bit of its winter plumage coming through
Good to see the Mute Swan cygnets have thrived, the first ones for some years to be hatched
They are large birds and look slightly bigger than their parents, no doubt they'll lose some of that weight when they are chased around the pond when its time for them to leave
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