Footprints

I love the reflected light that snow brings and so after the overnight snowfall I used my lunch hour to visit the local gulls. Lots of Tufted Duck and Coot on the sea reflecting the frozen freshwater lakes and higher numbers than usual of Black-headed Gulls, including a couple with a lovely pink flush to the breast. One or two are beginning to develop the black (or, more correctly, dark brown) hoods in readiness for the breeding season. Nearby, the harsh weather has brought in winter duck with over 200 Smew now reported at the regular wintering site on the sea off Amager. I am looking forward to heading out that way at the weekend...

Photos: Black-headed Gull developing its hood; a young Herring Gull bored with the cold weather; and Black-headed Gull footprints