Over the last few days I have unfortunately been a bit "ham-strung" due to a torn muscle in my upper thigh. This is very painful and debilitating to say the least.  Walking long, and even short distances, has been a bit hard and even sitting in my hide, close to home has been painful. But I need to get out there amongst it so yesterday I spent a couple of hours in my hide. I am still hopeful of catching sight of the Kingfisher, well to be honest I know that eventually one will be there…. there always is eventually, so I am putting the time in when I can. It's no good sat at home while all the while missing  a great photo opportunity  Also, I know it will be just a matter of time before I get a Little Egret right in front of me yet again, so there is a plan. You can never tell what may show up and last evening as the sun got lower and lower, the light was brilliant and reflections were very appealing. Suddenly, a Moorhen came in to view down stream and continued right up to the hide. In the strong late evening light I got some lovely images of this bird who I have rarely seen on the brook before. I am aware that they are not a rare bird, but never the less, when a truly wild bird is in front of the hide and not in the slightest bit aware of me, it is always a very good feeling.  It stuck around for ages and as well as feeding on the water weed, had a bath and a good preen.

I'll keep posting these portraits of House Sparrows. I am glad that they are now being take a bit more seriously and not just as pests as they were just a few years ago. A nice male or "cock" sparrow is a pretty bird when you see one in breeding plumage and good light.