Hilary and I walk round the River Avon, here in Stratford-upon-Avon, most days, delighting in the growth of the  cygnets and ducklings, or marvelling when a couple of swans decide to take-off, or a whole family of Canada Geese come into land like a squadron of aircraft.

This morning we noticed an unusual bird perching – with wings outstretched – on one of the black and white bouys that straddle the river across the top of the first weir, just a few metres down from Holy Trinity Church.

I was convinced it was a Cormorant. It was the right size, had the distinctive tufty head, white breast feathers, and the long, dagger-like bill.

Hilary managed just one quick photograph before a rower frightened the bird away.And looking at the enlarged photo (above) we are totally convinced it is a Cormorant.

Now, Cormorants are coastal birds, not river birds, although, it seems, the occasional one can be seen on certain inland waterways that have plenty of fish, as is the case with the Avon. And some research does suggest that the Cormorant – and its cousin the Shag – did originate in rivers before the last Ice-Age drove them to the warmer waters of the southern seas.

Whatever, it’s a pleasure to see a Cormorant returning to the Avon at Stratford; although I suspect that local anglers will be none too pleased to see a rival fisherman of such consummate skill stealing their Perch and Roach.

I suspect too that this bird will also feel at home when he, or she, spots the two Black Wing Gulls that have made the river their home this last couple of years, bringing with them their wonderful seaside calls.

Has anyone else spotted any seabirds on their inland waterways?

Update: 15th September – The Cormorant has now been joined by an Egret.