A Pair of Siskins

A pair of siskins (Carduelis spinus) tucking into the nyger seeds in the garden. The male is on the right, female on the left. They are fairly rare visitors to our garden, not spotted them for several years. The nyger seed feeder primarily attracts goldfinches but the siskins here also seem to be enjoying them. They have a liking for conifer woodland but will also visit mixed woodland if alder and birch are present.

Long-tailed Duck

A male long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) swimming off the pier at Lower Largo. This is the first time that I had seen this duck but it is quite unmistakable with its black and white colouring and long pointed tail which is 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in) long . The bill is dark grey crossed by a deep pink band.

The long-tailed duck in the foreground with a black-headed gull above.

Long-tailed duck, two black-headed gulls and on the rocks opposite the pier oyster-catchers and two herring gulls.