Tufted duck

Energised by last night’s run and better than forecast weather I cancelled yoga and experimented with getting the 38C bus to Hogganfield Loch. It took about 45 mins plus another 15 for its delayed arrival so for a future Seven Lochs Trail walk the train, when it’s available, is the preferred option.
The bird life has been significantly impacted by avian flu with high numbers of swan fatalities. There were quite a lot around still, all mute, no whoopers which I was hoping to see. Perhaps they decided to stay in Iceland this year. I’ve never been confident about identifying tufted ducks at a distance but at Hogganfield I managed to get quite close. The females are particularly attractive with their unmistakable blue/grey bills.
The bus home arrived bang on time and I got off in the town centre and spent a leisurely afternoon wandering around John Lewis. I noticed a number of people wearing face masks, especially on the bus. I think I will do likewise.