Jan 3rd

The easterly gale continues, pushing the waves into Crail. It was fairly wild out at Roome Bay this morning between the grey curtains of the showers coming in off the sea. I watched the goldeneyes diving out in the surf. I counted at least eight, so after their late arrival last autumn, that is the usual number that winter in Roome Bay. They must have been trying to pick things up underwater that were being disturbed but I have no idea how they manage to see anything at all in such rough and murky water. A few more days of this – it is forecast to go on until next Tuesday – and the inshore seabirds will start to starve.

Goldeneyes on a brighter day (JA). This is one of John Anderson’s best photos and well worth posting again when talking about goldeneyes