Winter Preen

With Mid-Winter Solstice almost upon us ( the official start to winter ), I always look on the positive side and consider it half way through winter . The Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night, and we will now start heading towards spring. Considering the last few weeks weather it certainly feels like mid winter rather than the start of it. The river and harbour are freezing over once more and the birds are keeping the cold out. Today the Swans brushed off the snow which had settled on their backs, and had a good preening session in the weak sunlight. A massive snow bearing cloud drifted northwards across the firth and looked appropriately like the face of a snowman staring skywards.