Wild Wanderings
Diary Entry
6th September 2018
A late evening stroll tonight reminded me that summer is starting to fade. There was a chill and damp feel to the air. The stubble fields are starting to fade from a white blonde to a straw yellow and the greens are starting to return to the fields. The summer has been a harsh one and I have noticed a shortage of wildlife around us.
I stood against the fence of the main crop field and saw hardly anything of note. Usually I would see a couple of Hares or the odd Fox meandering through the field but tonight there was nothing.
The river which forms the border of the bottom fields had lots of Geese gaggling and honking which tells me they are starting to flock. A group of about twenty Mallards appeared above me from the direction of the river flying the classic ‘V’ formation. They moved fast and seem to have some destination in mind. I stood gazing and wondering about how they communicate at such times as there seems to be an order to their mission. They banked steeply the right and then continued a level flight until they disappeared into the purple and pink strata of the clouds in the distance above the old trees. I only needed a low Sun for it to have been a perfect picture card scene.
The paddock is starting to green up now and I have started to lightly mow to encourage the grass growth. Birds are starting to appear but not in any great numbers yet. Yesterday morning on my usual rounds, I found the remains of a small bird which may have been a sparrow. Lots of fluffy feathers and down brownie in colour. I think it was the work of the Sparrowhawk which I have not seen recently. But this was a sure sign he is back in town.
I also noted a couple of days ago a pair of Kestrels a male and a female. They were flying low and together. I have not seen this before. It reminded me of last year when I saw a pair of Barn Owls flying in a similar fashion. Perhaps they were moving territories or looking for a new roost. About a mile way from us a new road is under construction so I’m wondering if this has disturbed them with all the destruction of hedgerows, trees and habitat.
Just before returning home a Hare did appear casually lolloping across the stubble field, he had probably been there all the time well camouflaged. He turned away from me and put on a burst of speed and vanished under the far gate.
The light was fading fast and it was getting colder. The season is turning.
Till tomorrow
