Egret and Kingfisher

On the stream this morning was the usual egret, but as I disturbed this single hunting bird, was surprised that a kingfisher flew up from just a few yards downstream. Could the kingfisher be hoping to benefit from the activities of the wading bird?

Kamikaze Rabbit

The stream that runs through the wood has a small and narrow ancient bridge crossing. This morning, Dylan (my dog) sensing something in the wood across the stream, went flying up and pout of sight. Soon afterwards, whilst standing on the bridge, I saw a rabbit hurtling down the path in my direction closely followed by the dog. Upon seeing me, the rabbit leapt into the air and hit me with a glancing blow to my thigh.
Neither the rabbit, dog or myself were injured in this unusual episode.

Changed redwing behaviour

I don't understand why Chris Packham failed to correct his co-presenter on BBC Winterwatch last night. Claiming that Crossbills can only be seen in Scotland is ridiculous.

The local redwings have noticeably changed their behaviours over recent days. During the days of heavy frost, they have been largely confined to the woods. There they have been engaged in leaf-turning, accompanied by blackbirds. Today, on a milder morning, they were on one of the fields pastured by horses. There must have been plenty of food available as about one hundred of them were confined to a very small area. Amongst them was a flock of chaffinches.

Two egrets

A second egret has appeared along the stream through the wood. The two birds can frequently be seen together with one standing on guard whilst the other hunts. Whether it is because of this or simply the nature of these two birds, is not clear but, they are very much more approachable than previous specimens seen at this site.
They always, perhaps not surprisingly walk upstream when hunting. Unfortunately, I have yet to see them them catch anything, though their continued presence suggests that there is ample food available to them.
This morning they landed upon the muddy path ahead of me, and one of the birds was probing into the mud. That was until Dylan (my dog) caught sight of them and fruitlessly gave chase.