Not sure how long this has been in the river!
Went on my warbler hunt this morning - still no signs. However, there are signs that winter is now a distant memory and that summer is on the way. I saw my first Swallow this morning. I always find that this is a real tonic for two reasons. First, it is the continuing example of how powerful nature is. Here is a small bird that has flown all the way from Africa in just a few short days. Second, it means that the opportunity for great bird photography is increasing - it is now just over six weeks before my first bird expedition of the year to Pembrokeshire - can't wait to be reacquainted with the puffins.
Whilst I enjoyed my walk along the river bank - the best bird I saw today was a kingfisher, as usual all you see is a iridescent flash of blue. I spent most of the time rummaging around the scrub trying to make photographs of the ordinary. The patterns of bark, the new growth on brambles and the like. Whilst going through the hedge bottom I found more signs that the local sparrowhawk has been busy. There were 3 separate sights where the hawk had plucked an unfortunate woodpigeon. Anyway, I was trying out different techniques to capture the first signs of spring growth. Not sure how well this has worked but you have to try.
As I write this it is a lovely sunny evening, the skies are clear and the sun is starting produce the wonderful evening light loved by landscape photographers the world over - myself included. However, it does prove one thing. That when I wish for some form of weather the exact opposite happens. In truth I am not complaining.
