Low down Magpie

Two shots of a magpie that was visiting the garden in the wet this afternoon.  I couldn't decide which one I preferred so I thought I'd give you both and let you decide.  

Both shots feature Cathy's riotous  "hot" flowerbed which provides the colourful background.  Obviously it's not hot today - that would require sunshine.

It's been raining solidly here now for about 24 hours and the pond is close to overflowing as a result.  Strange to think that only a week ago we were thinking that we would need to top up its water level.