Battling The Elements

 The weather over the past week has varied from not bad to atrocious, mainly the latter. I've never known it so wet, with little respite promised either.

Still, no good moaning (although I do love a good whinge!) we just have to get on with whatever is thrown at us.

I continue to chase shadows in the form of Cetti's Warbler, endlessly hoping to get a good image. These aren't as bad as the weather but with the twigs in the way, they aren't very good either.

First attempt this year at a Cetti's

Cetti's again, same bush - same result 🤣

Song Thrushes have been out singing most mornings, even during the downpours, and they do brighten up the days.

Song Thrush in song

Redwings are seen and heard most mornings too, flitting from hawthorns to mature tree tops in search of food. They are very flighty though and do not like being approached.

Redwing

One morning in the hide there were about 300 Black-headed Gulls feeding along the reed bed edges. It was almost a feeding frenzy but I couldn't see what they were feeding on. It appeared to be a seed of some sort judging from this photo.

Black-headed Gull with food

Just over a week ago there was a really misty and drizzly morning and while on KP I saw a Grey Wagtail hopping around the jetties. I took some pics of course and the quality leaves a lot to be desired, but as a record of the food it caught, a couple of them are worth saving and following up to see if anyone can id the prey insect.

Grey Wagtail with some sp. of water beetle?

Grey Wagtail on KP flooded jetty

When the weather is particularly bad I do not take my camera with me on my daily morning walks. I miss some opportunities but keeping the equipment dry is more important to me. I have had water damaged cameras in the past so I err on the side of caution now.