Strip the Willow

I was volunteering today with the RSPB at The Loons. This is Mark and Sarah in the shot. Seven of us were trimming the willows on the bund by the hide, and then planting the cut wands in gaps in the cover. The willows help shield people parking at the hide from the birds on the reserve, and also attract songbirds in migration- I've seen yellow-browed warbler there. Today we saw a water rail and there were three whooper swans too. It was handy working by the hide as we were able to have our tea-break in it, especially given the squalls that were racing through.