I am going to mention my favourite little saying again today….thats "The 6 P's …….Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents Poor Performance…….. that's almost the Royal Marine Motto, (of course it isn't….its Per Mare Per Teram, but you get the point).

When I went for a walk at dusk yesterday I had seen a Water Rail and heard others calling to each other nearby and then I saw one swim across from a little island to another.  I stood motionless for an age waiting for it to happen again but all that did happen was the bird emerged  from the island and then ducked back in again once it had caught sight of me.  So I needed a plan.  I went back this morning in really nice sunlight and sat myself near to the spot that I had seen it yesterday and used my favourite camo stuff to act as a screen.  Well it was brilliant. Firstly, wearing waders I was sat  with my legs dangling in the water.  I was hidden behind the screen suspended on bamboo canes.  I made a  hole through the material to push the lens through and then another to peep out of.   It was very pleasant even without birds and I enjoyed watching the Blue Tits who were feeding on the Reed Mace opposite. A kingfisher came in as well and perched on a sapling but was disturbed by some people not too far away.  But I knew that my subterfuge was working well.

Then I heard a Water Rail "squealing" from the foliage just in front of me and then another to my right answered immediately. This gave me the confidence to remain still in my position.  Then suddenly and after quite a wait, there was the Rail paddling through the water between the two mini islands.  I snapped off shot after shot and then the bird paddled on the surface of the water for the last few feet before disappearing in to the foliage to my right where it had no doubt joined the other bird that I had answered.  Success!!!!  It's brilliant when I have a plan  and it comes to fruition and what a lovely bird.

If the Water Rail wasn't enough, the garden suddenly came to life a few minutes ago.  I had my very first Blackcap of the year, a Male amd then a Goldcrest, so a good garden bird day as well.