Ice Runner

A water rail makes a dash for cover.

Water rails are usually the most secretive of birds, skulking deep in reedbeds, their presence only betrayed by their territorial pig-like squealing. But when everything is frozen, they are easier to see. This one was very unusual in that he made a dash across about 30 metres of open ice, eventually breaking into flight to reach the reedbed on the opposite side of the hide. See here for a photo of him becoming airborne - a rare sight indeed.

There was an end of term feeling today, I did a few hours work and knocked off to visit Leighton Moss with Simon and Matt. The first thing we saw from Lillian's Hide was a bittern feeding on a fish at the edge of the reedbeds. My pictures of it were useless, and my new lens looked distinctly inadequate compared to one that another photographer was sporting - it was about the size of an astronomical telescope.

A good morning for birds. There was a large flock of waxwings feeding on hawthorn berries at the head of the causeway. Matt and Simon saw a second bittern from Lower Hide before I got there.

The water rail was also seen from there, as we sat drinking mulled wine and eating mince pies. Thanks, Simon, good planning and forethought as always.

View large for best effect.