A DUMBARTON wildlife photographer has captured stunning shots of the wide range of birds making the River Leven their winter home.

Joe Timmons, who patiently watches the river in all seasons, recently photographed some species which are only found there in the colder months.

They include the redwing, a type of thrush which feeds on winter berries, and the graceful whooper swan, which migrates every winter from Iceland.

Joe said the rarest birds he had seen were a family of whooper swans trying to head up the river near the railway bridge, who were prevented doing so by continuous attacks from resident mute swans.

He also saw two female long-tailed ducks which were between the Artizan bridge and the railway bridge for a couple of weeks. He said: “It’s a pity a male didn’t appear to join them as it’s a stunning bird.”