It has been weeks now since I sighted the regular Kingfisher near the Princes Street Bridge on the Gipping. I had wondered whether it had moved to open waters and a saltier environment rather than this mixed tidal and freshwater section. These delightful small predators raise my vibrations no matter what else is going on in the world. To be gifted the sighting of one is a wonderful start to any day.

I had arisen later than normal on account of the forecast. I don’t venture out on the push bike in inclement weather. I am an unashamed fair weather rider but this morning I broke a habit and tucked my ‘Instamatic’ P600 inside my jacket. I had been storing potential placements for my tripod for weeks but there is nothing like a drenched November scene to set the pulse racing. Some of these vantage points have been gestating for years. Now I need to engineer the big cameras down there. I really do need a Sherpa. An assistant is not necessary, just a Sherpa.

The rainfall last night had been Biblical. Luckily we got home before the heavens opened but the residue was evident this morning in a silty brown fast moving Gipping. I had assumed it would be difficult for Alcedo Atthis to go about hunting and feeding so I was pleasantly surprised to see the bird flitting back and forth and perching waiting for a sign of breakfast.

I feel a spurt of image making coming on.