Fortunately the weather has now changed for the better and those cold easterlies have given way to our warmer south-westerly winds.

I'm now able to start arranging courses for those who have expressed an interest.  It’s a far more comfortable temperature for a day down by the river, photographing our halcyon friends.

Yesterday (15th April) was the first course of the year and we both came away with some great images.

The nest is some considerable distance downstream and, using two dome hides, our presence has no impact on the bird’s behaviour.

The male is busy taking fish to his mate.  This was the routine last year when we saw very little of the female until their three chicks fledged.

I’ve noticed that the resident male has a claw missing from his left inside toe. With this gem of information and looking back at last year’s images, I’m now able to confirm that he’s the same little guy as last year.

Let’s hope that he’s around for a few more years yet.