So 2025’s visitor has proven not to be a one-off. Once again the pond was blessed with a passing visitor, probably resident at the brook a couple of kilometres away or more likely the dew pond in the chateau woodlands adjacent to the hamlet.

The pond has been abundant in it’s goldfish reproduction this year, so initially at least, easy pickings for this hunter. They soon get wary after a few successful dives and disappear into the depths. Like last year, I don’t expect it to hang around for long.