Bring me sunshine

Woke up to a glorious day and arriving at Hillhead I look across the solent.

Not sure who was more startled me or the Mallard with her chicks. They must have been on the bank of the canal, then quickly headed for the safety of the water as I approached water spraying everywhere.

It's amazing how quickly the hedgerows and trees grow this time of year. The Hawthorn is now covered with blossom and the air is filled with birdsong and that faint , but, distinct smell of a lovely spring morning.

I saw this speckled wood catching the early morning rays of the sun-widespread woodland butterfly but common only in South England. Double- brooded April-June and July-September.

With the rain gone the path is firm under foot and I make my way towards Titchfield.

Even this early in the morning there are plenty of flies about and I can see the fish in the canal rising for an early breakfast. With a bit of patience I manage to get a shot of a wild brown trout. None of your protein fed farmed rubbish here.

Here the path opens up and gives way to fields and meadows.

I catch a glimpse of this sedge warbler singing amongst the reeds and bushes that now dominate the canal banks.

It is here in the fields and meadows where you will find the birds of prey patroling. Perched above me I spot this kestrel giving me the eye.

I decide to wait , hoping to get some good shots of the bird in flight. I was not disappionted.

It is now time to head back. This jackdaw is most displeased at my intrusion of his patch.

I decide to leave the canal path and walk along the small country lane that leads to the shore. Meadow buttercups align the verge

The tide is now receding and plenty of gulls are feeding.They pick up a shellfish, fly to about 30ft and drop it, hoping it will break on the ground as you can see in this shot.

A pair of oystercatchers rumage and search for food.