Grey heron

It was all happening this lunchtime at the overflow pond behind my office. The regular pair of swans returned today and have already started nest-building. Willow warblers, chiffchaffs and blackcaps were singing their hearts out (no reed warblers yet). I added two new species of butterfly to my year list: holly blue and speckled wood.

This grey heron ardea cinerea was rather a surprise to see in the tiny reed-bed. While I was photographing him he spread his wings out like this to absorb the warmth of the sun - a behaviour I've not seen before in this species.

For a stupendous picture of grey herons see valerie Baker's blip of yesterday: here