Water is the lifeblood of our countryside. It attracts all manner of wildlife; indeed it is essential for its existence. One species which is at home around it, particularly fast running water, is the Grey Wagtail.
I called at the mill race this week to photograph the Grey Wagtails nesting there. Given the dearth of fast moving streams and rivers in Norfolk the species is not common in the county.
Above all it was important not to disturb them. The welfare of the birds always comes first. I hung back to watch for a while getting a feel for their habits. I watched from a distance. Both birds, the male and female, were building a nest within the thatched roof of the building and I didn’t want to impede or distract them. I stood at the opposite side of the mill, the sunny side, out of sight. As the birds were leaving to fetch more nesting material they sometimes briefly stood on the sunlit side of the roof to take off. Completely oblivious to my presence they went about their business. It was a delight to be hidden in the shadows and listen to the rushing of the water as a spring dawn bled into late morning.
I managed, after a few hours waiting, to get one or two shots of these beautiful birds.
Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs, kill nothing but time.
Letter From Norfolk 
I particularly like the mirroring of the texture from the metal fence (?). It adds an opposing force to the delicacy of the tiny bird. Where do you live? You see such amazing creatures, Sally
Hi Sally,
I like photos with apposing textures. Take a look at this Barn Owl perched on machinery I took a couple of years ago http://wildcatchphotography.zenfolio.com/p912769488/h29940301#h29940301 here in Norfolk within the UK.