Hard frost within the last few days has seen frozen edges to Swamp lochan, and yesterday there were patches of frost still visible at dusk. As if I needed a reminder that winter is all but here, a few whooper swans (2-5) have been around the loch since the end of last month, and even if I haven't seen them everyday, I have already grown used to their haunting call.
Today has been a lovely birding day, with many of the usual winter wildfowl around, such as goldeneye, tufted duck, wigeon, teal and a couple of goosander. Just before lunchtime a flock of 225 or so greylag geese settled on the loch, and a quick scan through them found a barnacle goose in with them too. While double checking what else was around I pick out the redhead smew too, which was very close into the hides, and was easily seen from both East and Gullery hides.
With robins easily visible, and quite vocal along the path, a variety of tits by the feeders, and bullfinches calling as they passed there was something to see wherever I was.