WeBS Count 14/01/13...

Today was the day for WeBS count as I didn't have time at the weekend. Woke up to no snow with conditions a bit frosty as expected even though all the "severe" weather was forecast. We are unbelievably pathetic when it comes to weather in this country, especially winter weather, but that is another rant for another day.

Loch Kinellan first, quite a bit of snow on the ground up behind Strathpeffer. The loch was actually mostly frozen over with just a small area ice free which held 1 male Goldeneye, 5 Coot and 3 Tufted Duck. A small unfrozen pool at the edge of the main lake held 2 Grey Heron. Half way around the Loch and it looked very dark and grey over to the East and the snow hit me soon enough. Nice to get some proper snow.

Frozen Loch Kinellan with snow moving in.

Then came Kinellan Scrape. This was also mostly frozen apart from a small area in the middle. The scrape held 2 Mute Swan, 10 Wigeon and 27 Mallard. There was also Red Kite seen flying over.

Lastly Loch Achilty. Up at the far end of the Loch there were 3 Mallard and a small group of 4 Whooper Swan.

On the drive back from Loch Achilty it got really dark and the snow really started to come down hard. On the Contin to Maryburgh road it was so heavy it was almost a white out. Exciting! Year list is now up to 50 with following additions:

47. Mute Swan
48. Coot
49. Tufted Duck
50. Whooper Swan