Gadwall [Anas strepera]

This very grey-coloured dabbling duck, a little smaller than the mallard, and with an obvious black rear end. It shows a white wing patch in flight. When seen close up the grey colour is made up of exquisitely fine barring and speckling. It nests in low numbers in the UK and is an Amber List species.

Dipper [Cinclus cinclus]

Found along fast-flowing rivers, mainly in upland areas but also on lowland rivers in SW England. Look for tell-tale droppings on stones in the river.

Blackbird [Turdus merula]

Found everywhere in gardens and countryside and from coasts to hills, although not on the highest peaks.

Male

[nb. it was not  a grey picture, I don't know why?]

 Female

Cormorant

Found around the UK coastline on rocky shores, coastal lagoons and estuaries, it is increasingly being seen inland at reservoirs, lakes and gravel pits.

Photographed on a foggy morning.

British socialist stalwart Tony Benn dies at 88

RIP

I am terribly sorry, but blogger has taken it on itself by making it too bright for me, and so are you. So, if you would like to look at http://jalbum.net/en/browse/user/album/1308728

Mute Swan [Cygnus olor]

The mute swan is a very large white waterbird. It has a long S-shaped neck, and an orange bill with black at the base of it. Flies with its neck extended and regular slow wingbeats. The population in the UK has increased recently, perhaps due to better protection of this species. The problem of lead poisoning on lowland rivers has also largely been solved by a ban on the sale of lead fishing weights. Some birds stay in their territories all year, while others move short distances and form winter flocks. In cold weather, some birds arrive from Europe into eastern England.