At the same time for the last three mornings there’s been a kingfisher in
a tree just downstream of Snipe Meadow – we’re obviously both creatures of habit. It’s always nice to get a well focussed photo that includes the bird’s eye and the full shape of its head and beak but that’s not always possible. This image is a much more realistic depiction of how you’d usually see a kingfisher – as a brightly coloured shape masked by a tangle of twigs.

People might imagine that photographing kingfishers is a romantic thing to do. Sometimes it is, but I went down on my knees in the mud and slush without a second thought to get this shot, and would have gone down on my stomach if needs be. People I meet regularly on my walks must be used to this muddy, slightly wild eyed and disheveled figure by now (though to be honest I’m far from sheveled at the best of times). I’d expect strangers to keep more distant than is socially necessary, but the fact that I’m holding a camera is always a good conversation opener. Without it my social life would be much less interesting.
There were lots of flocks of birds in the meadows again – lapwings, fieldfares, redwings and wagtails….and a solitary little egret by the bridge.
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