I have not visited my usual patch for some time because of family commitments and the grey weather that did not inspire me to go out. At last, today was bright and sunny and I was free. Off on my rusty steed to Fen Drayton Lakes. Our village recreation ground has been flooded for the first time since 1947 and I was a little concerned over the water levels on my route. I did wear my walking boots but eventually had to retrace my steps as the puddles across the river path were too deep. This meant that I spent most of my walk alongside the river - hence the title.
As I have said, the water was very high and there were flood ponds all over the place. Black headed gulls were in abundance. This, I think, is a juvenile - quite sprauncy
Atop a tree in the distance was a great spotted woodpecker - I do wish he had been that bit nearer, but always a delight
This was followed by a squadron of greylags in perfect formation
There were plenty of herons around but even the best shot taken against the sun is probably better off on the cutting room floor
These next shot is of an obliging
Comma Butterfly
I love the way the proboscis disappears into the blackberry
Next I spotted some insect activity near a hole right in the middle of the path. There were common wasps around the entrance to their nest. This is about the best picture - I did not fancy using a micro lens in the circumstances
Earlier in the walk, I saw a 'black and white duck' flying at speed upstream. Then I had a second chance and managed to get this shot - of a great crested grebe - some duck! I rarely see these birds in flight.
This little beast, I think, is one of the ichneumons - open to correction as ever
I have mentioned that water levels were high. These two moorhens have made themselves at home on flotsam collected around a tree that would normally stand on the edge of the river
I had been continuously confused by flickering light effects on the water. I found out that these were caused by the reflection of the sun on the tops of reeds poking out above the flooded river. I have tried to capture this here - again, the tree marks the near river bank
Finally, here is one of the several common darters of differing maturity that were still darting
Colin
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