THE day I had been waiting for for so long finally came! The snow covered the whole of Musselburgh and made this town look like something out of a fairytale.
Without thinking, I decided to take a day off work, charged my camera batteries, and headed out.
I felt lucky there was no time limit on outdoor exercise, and I spent over five hours just walking around Musselburgh! I can’t remember the last time I was out for this long!
If I were to describe myself, I would say I always have both feet on the ground, but this does not apply during white winters.
There is something relaxing about snow that I cannot explain. I instantly turn from a rational person into a dreamer who can spend the whole day outside just watching the white crystals slowly falling from the sky.
As I was walking beside the River Esk, the sun came out and made the landscape look special. I walked all the way down to the river mouth, where I sat on the bank to savour the view. Although I was enjoying myself, I also completely lost track of time.
I sprang to my feet ready to head back when I spotted something I have never seen before.
At first glance, I thought it was a goosander – a common resident duck species. It was difficult to have a proper look, as the duck was swimming right against the steep riverbank. I had to look down and lean out over the edge of the bank in order to see it.
As soon as its prominent crest appeared before my eyes, I knew it was a red-breasted merganser – a winter visitor to the east coast, which I have never had the occasion to photograph.
The minute I saw the bird in its full glory, all I could think of was its shaggy ‘lockdown haircut’! I hope you agree with me!
Without hesitation, I took a few photos and left the bird in peace.
On the way home, I caught sight of a kingfisher that was rushing to his favourite spot for dinner.
These ducks can be commonly seen in winter as they travel along the UK’s coastline.
Their breeding population is concentrated in the north west of Scotland, England and Wales. They can be found in both fresh and salt-water habitats, especially in shallow bays or estuaries.
The red-breasted merganser is a handsome bird which belongs to the sawbill family.
The term ‘sawbill’ relates to the thin and serrated bill, which is designed to catch and hold its slippery fish prey.
These ducks can be frequently spotted as they sit low in the water or swim with their head partially submerged.
This technique allows them to easily locate their prey and prepare for a dive underwater.
Both sexes have a prominent profile. During the breeding season, the male develops a dark metallic green colouring on the head, whilst the elongated feathers at the rear of its head form a long and attractive crest.
He also gets a white neck collar and reddish-brown breast with black speckles.
Outside the breeding season, his plumage resembles the female’s, which has a rusty head and crest and pale chest throughout the year.
Despite pairing up in winter, the red-breasted mergansers breed in summer.
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