An early morning visit to Garnqueen Loch found the expected two drake Ruddy Ducks (I guess the authorities have stopped culling them now that all the females are gone) and an unexpected four Shoveler. A brief stop at Luckenburn Farm was less successful with no Bean Geese present. Later, a walk from the centre of Falkirk to the Kelpies produced two Grey Wagtails having a battle and a noisy Great Spotted Woodpecker on a telephone pole. Heading home, plenty of winter thrushes (Redwings, Fieldfares, Blackbirds and a Mistle Thrush) were at Palacerigg Country Park (with more over a stand of conifers on Fannyside Muir) while a lone Kestrel (rare these days) was near Slammanan.