Getting the bird

Yesterday morning, we were sitting in the dining room, when my wife pointed out through our South-facing window.  At a guess, I'd say a flock of more than 100 000 birds flew across the hill, West to East.  The flock was so large, it extended as far as we could see  - which is about half a mile - and flew past for more than 40 seconds.  As the end of the flight neared, a kite dived on to it and seemed to capture a straggler.  It was, however, one of the most astonishing sights we've ever seen;  the sheer number of birds was simply breathtaking - more like a swarm than than a flock.

This sort of behaviour is associated with migratory birds., but also the waders - in particular Knot.  What was amazing, however, was the sheer scale of the flypast. That so many birds, wheeling and turning in perfect unison, could be on wing simultaneously proved quite simply breathtaking to behold.

Today, we witnessed yet more of Nature's awesome sights, as a double rainbow appeared, traversing the valley along its East side. It faded after a few moments, but in that instance we saw what makes living in the area - with all its issues and concerns - truly worthwhile.  Question Time, Conwy Council and Post strikes seem remarkably unimportant when the sorts of sights which only nature can provide are witnessed in such abundance.  And they're all in High def :-))