As Ben suggests, it was an interesting day here in Torry. Looking out from the flat this morning I noticed that several Redshank and a few Fieldfares were feeding on the golf course. Then I noticed a Mistle Thrush hopping about on the warehouse rooves down towards the harbour - only the second time I've seen one from the flat.
I managed to get out for a wander in the afternoon. Walking about in Aberdeen at the moment is a rather challenging activity. We may not have much snow but we have plenty of ice, particularly on pavements. I managed to just about remain on my feet through the duration of my walk, but it was touch and go on occasions. At the allotments there were good numbers of Linnets - perhaps touching 40. Normally these are pretty scarce at the Ness in the winter. Thrushes were a big feature. I should really tot up the totals but I managed around 30 Fieldfares, probably at least 5 or 6 more Mistle Thrushes, 2 Redwings, a Song Thrush and a few Blackbirds. A Reed Bunting was in the grass at St Fitticks. The Purple Sandpiper roost was up to 212 on the Skate's Nose and a single Harbour Porpoise was off Greyhope Bay.
Up at the Coo the usual large gang of Eiders were swirling around offshore. Then: are they what I think they are? Smew! Three of them in fact: two redheads and a drake. They were a bit further out than the Eiders and swimming towards Nigg Bay, but were, of course, rather unmistakeable. I've seen quite a few over the past week down in the Midlands but was really astonished to find some here at Girdle Ness. I'd be interested to know how many have been seen here in the past - I suspect not many. Not too much else was on the sea except for a couple of Red-throated Divers and a Guillemot. Quite a good start to the year though.