Short trip to Iceland.

We have just got back from a short trip to Iceland. Had a great time and would highly recommend it. It was extremely cold and at times so windy, you could barely stand up,

let alone take photos.

We birded in the SW of Iceland and as only 300,000 people live there we hardly saw anyone when away from the towns. The landscape is breathtaking and we were amazed at the small colourful houses everywhere, just lovely. Hope to go back one day. The only disappointment

was that we didn't see the Northern Lights or get White-tailed Eagle or any of the Auks.

This is a 'not very good' record shot of a Kumlien's Gull.

This Whooper Swan's display paid off in the end.

As you can see the sea was very rough and digi-scoping was nearly impossible, however,

the Harlequin was a lifer for us as was Barrow's Goldeneye.

Have included this shot because it shows the lovely purple sheen to his head.

A Great Loss

My beautiful cat Beau was hit by a car and killed a few days ago and I am absolutely devastated.

We have lost a lot of pets over the years but always to old age or illness, but he was only 2 and very special to me. As we live in a quiet area, this was totally unexpected.

I know a lot of birders don't like cats but you can't deny he was very handsome. Sue

Sunday at Stithians.

A few shots from a quick visit to one of my favourite haunts (Stithians Reservoir) on Sunday afternoon. Had both hides to myself and didn't see another soul, just me and the flask. John