Goosander

I went down to Peebles to see a friend who is badly affected by polymyalgia rheumatica, a painful condition which affects muscles. It's a great shame as she is a keen walker who is normally out and about a lot and very active. We went for lunch to the Whistle Stop Cafe in Innerleithen - although it's a very long time since there were any whistle stops made there.

My friend G has a wonderful view from her house which is right by the River Tweed which is some consolation for not being out as much. There are plenty of mallards to be seen, but also quite a number of goosanders - this is a female. She has just come up from a dive - and you can see how waterproof her feathers are!

Much better seen large.