This morning we had  what I would call an almost serious frost, pretty cold for October in Devon. I put on a few layers, (the key to keeping warm), and made my way to the hide and was sat inside, almost snug before 8. When the 8 o'clock news started on the radio, I half expected her to be sat on the perch on cue as she had done on the two previous days, but not today.  That was a shame because the frosty branches in the really golden light would have been a bit special. In fact I had almost given up when she joined me at 9.50, by then I was cold as I have been for ages and it was hard to concentrate. She showed well and went up to look in to the tank from the perch above.  I have to deal with the tank, it is cloudy and even though it's full of fish she couldn't see them. I am going to lower the water level and replace with tap water which should be clearer of course.  This may not be good for the fish but I will experiment until I get it right as it is a bit frustrating when she is obviously looking for prey, the tank is full of what she wants, I  want her to dive in but she can't see the 50 or so fish only inches from her. Anyway, she flitted from the perch in front to the hide and again was just an inch above my head, then she crossed to a stem opposite to see if there was anything there, and then back to the branch in front and over the water.  That was pretty much it and she had come and gone in pretty much the same time that it has taken you to read this. Desperate for warmth, coffee and breakfast, I came home wondering how I am going to clear the tank without affecting the fish.

So here are a couple of shots as you would expect, as portraits they get better but I want so much more than that!