Drake Calloo

This long-tailed duck (known in Orkney as calloo, after its call), was sitting by the Peedie Sea having a good preen. Only a few are around now- the vast majority are off to the Arctic to breed. The male is actually a lot brighter in his winter plumage. Maybe the idea is to find a mate before they head off north because the breeding season is so short up there, so get the courtship all done and dusted before the trip.