Therefore, my course of action is to literally run through the water as fast as I can, to a gravel bar on the far side. From there, I find a more or less shallow area and repeat the run. Working my way behind the back of the group, I quickly join them. I am frankly feeling a bit uneasy about this. It's too easy for a skulking like this one to get away without anyone seeing it.
All eyes turn to the approximate place, as a couple of people shout directions.
It's still moving, closer still. It is then that I get my first good look at the bird. It pauses, looks around, perhaps a bit bewildered, and flies briefly to the top of a willow. It stays for just a few moments before flying down into the willows for better concealment. Judging by the bird's brightness, it appears to be a male in basic plumage.