Oystercatcher

I was saying on Monday that there are signs of Spring. Here is another one, albeit a little premature. Oystercatchers reappear along the River Kent in the Spring, coming inland to breed. This single bird has been back on the river south of Kendal for a couple of weeks now, while his friends are still on the coast in huge numbers.

The light was low on another cloudy, dim day and I had to underexpose the shot to ensure the wings were not too blurry. Back in the digital darkroom I have darkened the background further to emphasise the white of the plumage.

Another evening at the climbing wall, and progress is continuing. We managed one of the easier routes on the 18 metre, slightly overhanging wall. A couple of weeks ago, I couldn't get half way up without being overcome by feebleness (and fear).