More snow and cold

They say it's not usually like this, the winter is characterised by rain, torrents of it, but this is cold. Snow fell overnight, that's made a crust over the ice and walking is more comfortable again.

A small falcon went through the garden, too quick, defying ID. Loch of Bosquoy still has a good open pool, it appears slightly larger today and there are still at least three Slavonian Grebes on there, watched from the warmth of the kitchen. Also on LoB today, Goldeneye, Tufted, Pochard, Teal and a few hundred Wigeon. House Sparrows around the feeder make a new record of 65 and there is one Dunnock still.

Louise's sister began her journey out of here by tractor yesterday. What a contrast with East Mainland, we nipped down to Deerness for a brief seaside walk after our trip to the airport.