Managed to fit in some good birdwatching at the beginning and end of a full day's work in Ayr. Got to Maidens beach at 7:30am and was soon watching the five Brent Geese as they made their way along the tideline, staying just out of reach of a couple of local dogs. Other birds on the beach included 21 Ringed Plover and 6 Bar tailed Godwits. The rocks at the end of the breakwater held a mixed flock of Knot, Dunlin and Turnstone, and up to six Rock Pipits were chasing and singing in the area.
Stopped briefly at Rozelle Park in Ayr just before 9am. The drake Wood Duck was displaying to the passing Mallards on the main pond and a single Stock Dove was feeding nervously on the path (this is a really reliable site for the latter species).
Headed home via Lochwinnoch and stopped off at the RSPB reserve about 5:30pm to check if the drake Smew was still there. Checked the feeders at the Visitor Centre on the way and was treated to a female Sparrowhawk whizzing past my head as it made a pass at the local Blue Tits. Once the birds had re-emerged from cover, managed to pick out a nice male Brambling and five Reed Buntings. The Smew was showing well but distantly from the second hide. Other birds there included at least 3 Pochards, around 30 Goldeneye and single Curlew and Lapwing (both calling). All in all a great day with ten species added to the year list. Nice to have caught up with quite a few winter visitors before they head back north. Now to find some Chiffchaffs and Sand Martins...