This time last year I located a number of Long-tailed duck that were entering a harbour on the east coast at high tide. I assume that they were attracted in either by discarded fish from the boats or crabs and other crustaceans feeding on the fish. My efforts last year were hampered by poor light and the wind blowing from the north, even within the harbour the sea was quite choppy. On my latest visit the sea was glassy calm. The sandstone of the harbour wall and buildings along with moored up fishing boats provided some colourful reflections in the winter sun.

Long-tailed duck, drake

The female long-tails were always jealously guarded by their mates from the attentions of other drakes

Cormorant

These days there seem to be few fishing harbours around the Scottish coast that do not have one or two resident Grey Seals on the lookout for an easy meal of discarded fish. I was amazed to see a Greater black-backed gull rob this one of a meal. The gull snatched a piece of fish right out from this seal’s jaws. Brave or foolhardy the gull got away with its booty.

A Greater black-backed gull defending it’s prize