As we near the end of September there is a definite autumnal feel to the early mornings.
Across the National Nature Reserve the colours are turning from pale greens and sandy browns to the more vibrant browns, yellows and reds. The leaves of the Hawthorns are fading, the deep red berries becoming more obvious, and this morning they were attracting some Blackbirds, three of this member of the Thrush family perched together.
A large rambling patch of Old Man’s Beard, also known as Wild Clematis, has clambered across the boundary between two fields, over the Blackthorn hedgerow and over the wire fence, a mass of dirty white wispy flowers.
Flitting in and out of this tangled pile was a flock of Chiffchaffs, these small mostly brown birds moving in and out of the branches. A pale underbelly and darker back contrasting with more yellow of the single Willow Warbler which was alongside – when so close together the differences are easier to tell – even easier when one of them makes a noise.
The white tip of the tail of Fox could be seen just above the dead grasses, as it moved a ripple went through the long vegetation. As I watched, it approached the end of the grass emerging into the field, the golden rusty fur showing well in the sunlight.
In the woods a crashing through the branches of the Black Poplar was caused by two Grey Squirrels chasing each other, one then leapt into the adjacent Sycamore, the other deciding against that!
Gliding across the gap between the trees, was a Sparrowhawk, a couple of flaps then a glide as it went, a glimpse of the long tail and slightly rounded wings.
Over the globe a Kestrel was hovering, the head perfectly still as the body and tail quivered, it stayed for a while before moving off in the hope of better luck in his search for breakfast.
The furry black and brown body of a Fox Moth caterpillar wandered along the path edge and as I dislodged a stone (by mistake) a Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle scampered back under cover.