Friday 29th. March 2013

At the risk of boring the reader to death , I awoke early to unexpected sunshine this morning , and on the spur of the moment decided to return to the millstream to see if I could photograph the Water Rail in the better conditions . With very few people at work and no school traffic , I arrived in no time . The sun was out , just , as a bank of cloud was steadily approaching , but it was still bitterly cold , and I was glad of the multi layers that I had donned before leaving . After yesterday's experience , I knew that my chances were slim , but I headed for the spot where I saw the bird very briefly yesterday morning . When I arrived , there was no sign , but just below the spot in the

phragmites , a bird was moving , it was the Water Rail again , and this time in sunshine . From the

of things , the bird had just finished it's morning ablutions , and was sat up in the sun starting to preen . I couldn't believe that once again I was 5 mtrs. from the bird , and it was taking no notice of

me . Every now and again , it would pose , before starting to preen again .

Only one person passed along the footpath during this time , and he didn't stop or make any noise , so

the bird seemed not bothered . In fact , at one point , I was sure that the bird got into the 'Hokey

Cokey' , as it seemed to be doing 'left wing in' , and finishing up with 'shake it all about' . After seven minutes of magic , and 140 shots on the memory card , a loud talking couple with a dog approached ,

and that was it , the bird turned and disappeared into the depths of the phragmites , not to be seen again . I had a look down the far end of the millpool , no sign of the cormorants , but the three Grey Wagtails were busily feeding . As I turned back to the car , that bank of cloud enveloped the sun , and the wonderful experience was over . I was home in no time , enjoying a hearty breakfast .
Still unable to comment , even though I have reset everything I can think of .