August 10th – I know I shouldn’t, but I love anthropomorphising animals. Herons in particular remind me of eccentric old men, stood loafing, slightly absent mindedly fixing you with a gimlet eye.

This one was in Pleck, right at the back of the factories, stood on an overhanging bough, looking for breakfast. I love the expressiveness of his eyes.

Later, at James Bridge, the aggressive beggars – honking at me for food, hissing and swimming away in disgust when I presented them with no tasty morsel.

I honestly think to local wildlife is becoming more outspoken and opinionated.