No Fun

The New Year has certainly got off to a dramatic start with high winds and copious amounts of rain in the past few days.  Malcolm and I did just manage to get a walk yesterday afternoon, but having dodged a shower and sheltered under a bridge and then under some trees while the wind howled, we decided to call it a day and head for home again.  At least the Ducks are happy on the Straw's Bridge lakes.  All the rain has begun to refill the lakes and brooks and the Shovelers can feed happily in circles, watched by a curious Black-Headed Gull...

And attracting the attention of a nosey Mallard.  This particular Mallard seems to be a hybridised bird, crossed with a Wigeon perhaps.  Judging by it's size, it is certainly the product of Mallard and a smaller duck with a much daintier bill.