I revisited the brook this mid-morning and set myself up in a quickly constructed hide overlooking a branch over the water and then started my stakeout for the local Kingfisher(s).  It was cold – about 2 degrees –  but it didn't feel as bad as I thought it would really.  An hour or so in to the wait with my feet starting to suffer and all I had to show for it was just the pleasure of being in the bright daylight and the excitement of expectation with the occasional visit from the friendly Robin.  Something flew in and dropped in to the bankside just ahead of me but out of sight hidden by foliage   In the air I had clearly seen white, like a big House Martin and in the end this was the give away. I expected whatever it was to come in to view hoping that it was one of the Snipe that I know are in the area  but it didn't and after 10 minutes or so  I settled back down again and thought that I may even have imagined that I had seen something.  Suddenly there it was, crossing the ford just ahead. I immediately said to myself, "Green Sandpiper."   I wasn't particularly surprised to see it – but I was very pleased, it was really beautiful in the fast flowing water.  I have photographed them at this spot twice before but it's been 4 years since the last time.  Green Sandpiper are known to over winter in the UK in smallish numbers and they have a preference for concrete structures, weirs and flood defences etc. which is exactly the kind of habitat here.  In flight they are said to resemble a large House Martin with the white rump showing well so that explains the flash of white that had caught my eye. It crossed over the stream and then came back again in the opposite direction and I prayed that it would walk down towards me, my prayers didn't work and I lost sight of it after a few minutes. For a brilliant photograph I would have wanted it to be quite a lot closer but next time I visit this will be another bird that I hope to see again and of course, I always want to improve on any photographs that I take.  

I checked the trail cam to see if I had filmed anything, hoping for otters of course but today, it was blank, not even a fox like yesterday.  I have repositioned the camera now and I will check again in the morning.