Sunrise 07.32 Sunset 17.16 GMT

After a relatively dry day yesterday the river has gone down once again, still running fast but well inside the banks. The misery continues for the people on the Somerset Levels and there is still a forecast for more rain this week!

This morning at home was dry and cold, a touch of frost. When I looked out of the window I could see the mist lying over the river I took my camera but the mist had moved by the time I got down to the river. I managed to get across to Bere Marsh with Kim although it was a little wet underfoot. As I came back across the river two swans flew across, it was still quite dark but I took a picture of them flying over the river.

I walked Lucy down to the river afterwards and it was a little lighter although the mist was still moving around, it eventually settled on the top of Okeford hill for a while. I was watching a little Wren in the reeds (how they managed to be still upright after the floods I don’t know!) I spotted a Kingfisher flying up river which is good news.

There is certainly plenty going on the Greater Spotted Woodpecker has taken up residence half way up the field in an old Oak tree, a woodpecker does it every year and first thing in the morning it is tapping away for some time, it’s the sound of spring, it’s been happening for many years now. A Green Woodpecker flew across making it’s distinctive sound. When I got home a Dunnock was singing in my Twisted Hazel bush, just like last year, whether it’s the same one I don’t know but I noticed another flying around, a possible mate? I do hope so.

It seems the wildlife is preparing for the spring even though the weather is saying it’s still winter!