Teal

According to the RSPB website, teal winter in the south and west of the UK. OK.... well, we're neither in the south nor the west....but apparently according to the man with binoculars who told us they were teals, they are the most common form of ducks on the Dornoch Firth along Tain Links. Certainly, we're not in a position to argue. He fired off a list of other species we could see (well he could with his binos) further out.... but I'm not in a position to list them or indeed to photograph with my lens. This was at the limits.

Another fun day. We took in a walk to the Links on the way to pick up some shopping at the supermarket for lunch for our guest (the friendly helpful neighbour), and - whilst Mr A cooked - I started clearing out the large very overgrown flowerbed at the front (east side) of the property. Starting to get a sense of what we might do with the garden, but first there is a massive amount of clearing that needs to be done.

After a fairly lazy afternoon, we headed out in the evening to see Malin Makes Music at Portmahomack Carnegie Hall. It was excellent, although they moved towards the end from playing either the whistle or some small pipes to the big ones (see extra), and we do find the latter a bit noisy. It was interesting to see that the musicians put ear plugs in! It was amazing to come outside after the concert to hear the noise of the sea.