OrcadesDays

By Orc2009

Swans

Two whooper swans look a bit bemused at the posing of a passing mute swan.
There wasn't a lot to see out at Stenness today- looked hard for otters but no luck, the big rafts of ducks have broken up as many head north to breed, though there were shelduck, gadwall, goldeneye, mallard, tufted duck etc.
I was sitting in the hide at Barnhouses and watching the mute swans. The high wind was ruffling their plumage as pairs were showing off to each other or threatening encroaching interlopers. Then I heard a honking as three whoopers flew in. The mutes are resident but whoopers only winter here. These three (one is tucked in behind) may be local or they may have been on their way from somewhere south en route to their breeding grounds in Iceland and they just stopped for a breather. They did almost immediately tuck their bills in to snooze but the mutes seemed a bit irritated at their presence. A couple more shots in extras.

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