A couple of friends and I had booked a day at one of Tom Robinson's hides- the Wired Hide - a couple of weeks or so ago but the very wet weather put and end to that. So we re-arranged it for last Wednesday 25th February but even then, Tom advised us that to get there before lunchtime would be a waste of time as the weather was still seriously disrupting the avian visitors.

A rather soggy walk across the field to the hide and we were ready for action. A female Kestrel soon arrived to feed on the mouse bait, polished it off and then flew.

Then it all became very quiet with just a few Jackdaws around, one investigating a mouse bait before also flying off.

I even excercised my trigger finger on a Wood Pigeon!!!!!!

Several Buzzards were flying around the far trees but never came in to feed. Apparently, they seem to know when the hide is occupied and give it a wide berth but come in to feed when the hide is empty - very odd.

The female Kestrel returned but, by then, the light was insufficient for any worthwhile photography.

So then the evening began with strobe lights and flash connected to our cameras. Eventually, the expected Tawny Owl came in, took a mouse and flew off, never to be seen again.

But then the star of the show arrived - a gorgeous Dogfox that came and went and returned a few times to keep us on our toes.

even showing some gymnastics.

By 10.00pm, the show was over so we squelched across the field to our cars. The Fox made the trip for us all.