On Sentry Duty

This male (cob) mute swan, Cygnus olor, was patrolling an area of Gaddon Loch near its nest.  Its wings are raised in a threat posture because a second pair of swans also occupy the same loch and one of them was getting too close.

On the adjacent Birnie Loch, I found a pair of gadwall, Mareca strepera.  Such ducks are usually seen in winter but should have migrated away again by now.  Apparently, a smal number remain in the UK.  You will find their images in the 'extras'.