Mr Blue

Two reports were submitted by lunchtime, so after lunch I felt justified in taking a few hours off for a walk round Ferry Meadows. The river was the fullest that it's been all winter, though not yet flooding any paths or the riverside meadows. 

Storm Franklin (the third named storm in a week) had almost blown itself out, though it was still pretty breezy, with spells of sunshine. The colour of the willows is quite spectacular at this time of year, especially when the sun is low. I also came across some rather photogenic Long-tailed Tits, a sparkling Shoveler, some distant teal and Wigeon, a pair of Goosander and a singing Greenfinch. 

But my photo had to be this male Kingfisher, who was sitting close to a bridge over the backwater, watching for fish. He dived twice unsuccessfully, but on the third occasion he caught a small fish and flew off down the river with it, possibly to his waiting mate, who I could hear calling. This is a regular spot for Kingfishers, who nest in the vertical riverbank.