Thursday, 30 November 2023

Smew, Forfar Loch, another look

   
On a cold day (again) I revisited Forfar Loch to see if I could get a better video of the Smew redhead. A bit disappointing when I arrived as two Skiffs with five people in each were rowing up and down the loch, and no sign of the Smew. The rowers managed to flush 72 Gadwall and a number of Wigeon and Mallards, while most of the Teal stayed put near the reeds.

The rowers then disappeared westward towards the sailing club, and after a long cold wait I managed to find the Smew, and of course it was in the middle of the loch! A bit more patience in the cold and to my relief it swam slowly towards the reedbed corner and started to fish, eventually coming as close as 30 metres, very unusual for a Smew.
Tagged on below the Smew are some photos from Inchcape beach in Arbroath, where I didn't stay long with a chilly breeze coming off the sea.


Smew redhead (female, Forfar Loch east end)     Smew Gadwall and Wigeon     Reed Bunting at Balgavies hide      Robin on my tripod


Smew female (redhead)








It flew just a few metres when a dog walker passed by and quickly resumed normal behaviour





One of three Purple Sandpipers on the beach at Inchcape Park, Arbroath in mid afternoon sunlight





Two Dunlins and 1 Ringed Plover in this shot





These two Ringed Plovers were brave enough to come on to the shingle as people walked by





This out of focus photo shows a Robin at Forfar Loch at my feet, it had landed on my tripod and looked me straight in the eye as if to say feed me



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