While The Willow Gently Weeps

I was walking in Fishers Green nature reserve when this crow flew up into the weeping willow from the ground. I saw a few grey feathers and presumed it had been feeding on a dead pigeon. It wiped its beak repeatedly against the branch and I could see a flies dancing in the sunshine around it. I love the colours of the Salix family as they come into leaf.

After I had photographed the crow I went to investigate. It was not a pigeon but a female Goosander. I have never seen one before and was struck by the sharpness of its beak and beautiful coral-coloured feet.