Carrion

Taking to the footpaths again this morning, we set out for a walk around Straw's Bridge.  Trying in vain to avoid the weekend cyclists (ill-mannered lot), joggers (looking like 97 year-old stick insects) and screaming kids (what a joy!), the highlight of the morning was a magnificent Carrion Crow (Corvus corone).

Shimmering in the sunshine, it was standing on the fence at the car-park waiting for a stray piece of bread to come it's way.

It's easy to assume these birds are black, but closer inspection in the sunlight reveals a green and purple sheen.  What a beautiful and imposing bird this is.