Smew and Wood Duck at Linlithgow

Last weekend I decided to take a stroll around Linlithgow Loch. A lovely location and a spot of great historical importance, my motivation was related more directly to the presence of the female Smew (just visible above), which has wintered at the site for several years. A Lothian tick for me, I did feel that I owed it a visit.












Also of interest at the loch side was this (presumed escapee) female Wood Duck. The ring has appeared on its leg since its arrival at the loch apparently.

A male has been seen not far away apparently - here is one photographed in California in 2010.