Sewage

A quick check of the hedgerows and fields to the south of the village with my 4 week old daughter in tow revealed an elusive Little Owl:

I reasoned the only unfrozen water would be on the single filter bed at the sewage works. Where better to take the family on a freezing Sunday afternoon?On arriving I was delighted to see the that local farmer had grubbed up most of the hedgerow that usually obscures viewing. Great for me that is, not so good if you are a species that depends upon hedgerows. Sure enough the water was flowing and the year's first Grey Wagtail was riding the arm with this Pied Wagtail:

A further hours walking revealed precious little else, except a Red Fox. A much hoped for Woodcock flushed from a ditch remains an ongoing fantasy.