The Smew is a small compact diving duck with a delicate bill. The male is white with a black mask and a black back, the female is grey with a reddish-brown head and white cheek. In flight, it shows black and white wings. It is a winter visitor in small numbers from Scandinavia and Russia.

It is quite rare for this female to be found as far north as this in winter, they tend to prefer the South East part of the country.