Taken at first light this morning with flash. The story to follow.

I went, almost reluctantly to the hide at around 7.15. The weather was dull and I wasn't sure that It was going to be worthwhile. I armed myself with my flash gun thinking that I could get some nice photos by approaching things from another angle as it were.  I was stat in there before 7.30 and I didn't feel all that special, I don't do mornings as I have said numerous times. Anyway, I know that this bird is  more easily spooked than the male we had all over last winter and I thought the only way to be successful was to have the camera focused on the spot where I predicted her to land…….. and I was spot on. It was quite a thrill when I saw her appear in the camera's viewfinder and I immediately took a few shots (those above) of her. I was really wanting to get some diving shots and that is what I was set up for, It didn't happen though and she left, again quite quickly.  The first one is a particularly nice one, I hope you agree? 

Later, I travelled, late morning , out to the River Teign, I really am not going to be beaten by this Dipper photo quest. I spent several hours waiting for one to appear and when it did I was ready, or so I thought. I was going to use the flash but, as if my friend Murphy had a hand in it, the flash ran out of power just at that moment. Can you imagine my frustration.  I almost got a photo without, but just not good enough again, but almost!