The notice board collapses, telescopes pivot, RSPB magazines flap their way wetly across the site and Crash go the barriers. Rain, wind and the failure of 5 layers of underclothes told us to call it a day this afternoon at the top viewpoint.

And what of the nest? It was tossing about like a Biscay barque with Mrs. hugging the port bow and the chicks huddled by the middle mast – but it is very well built and seems likely to weather the storm ready to sway into sunny seas again.

Yesterday’s rain must have come as a shock to the chicks, after a lifetime of 3 fine weeks. Mrs. just got on with the job she does best – keeping them warm and sheltered. Them?

Yes! As the rain came down and the wind blew the foliage apart there was a sudden view through the telescopes of 2 fluffy brown bottoms sticking out from under Mum’s breast feathers. Hooray! And who knows there may have been a third little one lurking under her tail feathers. Can’t wait for the next glimpse!