We've had some wild weather lately, which has perhaps decreased my motivation for getting outside.
The final day of the Christmas Market, just before packing up, we managed a swift walk along the Broken Bridges footpath. This meandering path crosses many short bridges, winding its way across water meadows grazed by Highland cows on one side, and more commercial cattle on the other. On this cold afternoon, we encountered very few people in this surprisingly tranquil spot sandwiched between Harnham and Churchfields Industrial estate!
But the real reason for the title of this post was our walk into town along the Avon Valley Path on Sunday. You may recall this was the day of rain, sleet and snow, depending on where in the country you were. The wind whipped our faces, with squally showers blowing in intermittently. Funnily enough, this usually-busy path was rather devoid of crazy people like ourselves.
Having made it into town, and had a quick mooch around the Christmas Market (so dull now our chalets aren't there!), we retraced our steps back home. The observant in the party quickly spotted something moving along a tree trunk overhanging the river - a woodpecker! We were able to watch it for a little while, hopping along trunks and hammering for insects. Certainly the best view of a greater-spotted woodpecker I have had.
And then, walking along the boardwalk by the river and the reedbeds, he again spotted something interesting - this time a magical flash of blue. Yes, a kingfisher! It flew into the reeds and turned to face us - the rufous breast camouflaging perfectly with the surrounding habitat. The path split off in its direction, so we decided to follow it for a closer look, resulting in it zooming away from us, a beautiful splash of azure on this otherwise-drab lunchtime.
I was so glad to have been 'forced' out of the flat that morning, to the best views I've had of these beautiful birds.
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