Threatening...

After a very busy day yesterday, I felt quite drained this morning, and pottered around, identifying a few specimens and entering the Swinderby records into MapMate.  

Towards the end of the afternoon some of my energy had returned and, despite the freezing temperatures, I decided a walk was in order. I wanted somewhere sheltered from the north wind, so decided to head along Castor Splash, which is largely sheltered by a large row of poplars. I was amazed to see at least fourteen red kites congregating over the poplars, flapping lazily around, sometimes very low. Of course I hadn't taken my 300mm lens!

Once I got into my stride I didn't want to stop, and ended up walking down to the River Nene and looping back along its edge. I saw this shower cloud developing in the distance and did wonder whether I should turn back, but luckily it remained to the west and I stayed perfectly dry. However, it did produce some very dramatic effects, though ten minutes after this was taken it was all sunshine and light again (see extra).