Look What the (warmer) Wind Blew In..

It was on August 2nd that we last saw the Hoopoe. On that occasion we were lucky enough to see four together (see here)

In 2011 our first sighting of this wonderful bird was on 9th May

In 2012 we heard it first on 12th April and saw it in the garden on 28th April

Today, as we arrived home in the car, eagle-eyed Colin spotted this early bird in the garden.

We just managed a couple of photos from inside the car, so we've been on the look out all day in the hope of seeing him again. Then, just as we were packing up to come in from an afternoon's gardening, he made an appearance at the far side of the potager, on the top of the rose arch..

before 'hiding' under the seat..

and then sidling off down the garden and out of range..

We hope that from now on it will be a case of "Many Hoopoe Returns back to Braye.. "  ......Sorry!