A visit to King's Meads

As the Short Eared continues to be reported I paid a visit to see if it would show. Inevitably, it was again camera shy but you have to keep trying! Fortunately, there is always something to photograph there, and the first bird was the obliging male Kestrel which was hunting over Stockade Mead. He was facing away from me and despite my best efforts I could not quite get in front of him to get some head on shots!

Further along The New River a Grey Heron took off lazily and landed again in Hollow Mead. It was intent on hunting and allowed a close approach. Suddenly it lunged forward and seized a Newt which was quite a surprise and something I have never witnessed before, despite knowing they will eat almost anything!

Also along the New River a Magpie perched up for a shot on the old railings.

Nearer to the Lea Navigation a pair of Grey Wagtails were taking advantage of the deep ruts made by contractors and were catching insects.

Often ignored, but I love photographing them, were a couple of Mute Swans slowly making their way along The New River.

So no Shortie to round off the day, but a dramatic sky instead!