Thursday, January 09, 2014
Dorney and Cookham
We went in different directions for our walks today, but it didn't make any difference; it was flood and mud everywhere!
At Dorney, several shovelers were feeding busily on the Eton Wick side. The Roundmoor Ditch was almost brimful, and the common flood had crept nearer to the bank. Thank goodness we've had no rain for a while.
Looking across the Jubilee River from the south bank I could see water lying in the cattle field on the sewage farm. A few days ago I walked right round and flushed a green sandpiper from this flood.
And - hey presto! There was one there today. This must be the most distant photo of a green sandpiper I've ever attempted - but at least there was no risk of disturbing it!
The only other bird I snapped was this buzzard, looking rather eagle-like in the flooded field wedged between Wood Lane, the Jubo and the motorway.
Greger meanwhile set off on his roundabout walk to Maidenhead to do some shopping. Past Boulter's Lock on the A4094 he found the road closed to traffic. Walking on a bit further he came to this scene; the gate on the left is the one he usually walks through, crossing Widbrook Common and then following various paths to get into Maidenhead from the north. No go today, though. He had to turn round and go "through the houses".
Greger said the water was pouring onto the road from the left-hand side, although the River Thames is over the fields to the right. This then is the White Brook itself overflowing (presumably). He didn't think the water was particularly deep on the road, but it could be quite a long flood and if drivers get stuck it could cause problems.
// posted by Christine @ 8:59 AM 
