Kingfishers and robins

Saw a kingfisher today!  Flash of blue for about 5 seconds as it flew up the river ahead of us. 

As a child I lived in Cornwall on the Tresillian River where there were kingfishers.  My father, who often cycled to work along the river, would see them, but I never did.  It is not until I am in London when I see them on the Lea (the river bit, not the Navigation) between Tottenham and Waltham Forest (like today) or the tidal bit of the Lea below Leabridge Road. One of the delights of kayaking.

Though the Navigation above Tottenham Lock had thick ice for a while this winter, the river bit was not completely iced over, so the kingfishers should have been able to feed (they are one of the birds expected to be hard hit by the bad weather).

Leytonstone overground station is high up above the road, level with the tops of the neighbouring trees.  A friend was climbing the stairs to the station to find a robin at the top of the tree, but level with her, singing away. She took a photo which came out well which she will email me.