It’s been a busy few weeks for me, a wonderful family break on the Isle of Skye and starting a new job so I have sadly neglected my blog for which I apologise.
Can you believe we are heading towards the end of September? What happened to Summer? I think the mini heatwave experienced earlier in the month was the last of the decent weather and there is definitely a more Autumnal feel to the weather now. The swallow and martins are still hanging on but many now are beginning to gather in readiness for their long journey to warmer climes.
Despite the chill in the air and the shorter days to come, Autumn can be a wonderful and exciting time of the year. Berries are now in abundance with hawthorn and elder looking particularly striking and holly and sloe begin to ripen. Rosehips also add a splash of colour to our hedgerows this time of year and many of our wildflowers are still in bloom. Acorns and horse chestnuts are also in their final stages before ripening and falling to the ground.
The berries, of course provide an important source of food for many of our birds especially our thrushes and two species to look out for in the coming weeks are the Redwing and Fieldfare. These beautiful thrushes arrive from Scandinavia and Russia and spent the Winter with us, both species returning to their breeding grounds the following March and April. Keep a look out next time you pass a tree adorned with berries and it is possible that one of the birds feeding amongst the blackbirds, song and mistle thrushes may well be one of these exciting winter visitors.
Many people become sad with the passing of Summer and dread the thought of darker nights and shorter days but there is much joy to be had this time of year. Nature does not stop or die, it is simply adapting and changing to cope with the differing conditions. It is still bustling with activity out there and although it may seem quiet in the colder months, life goes on and species still need to find food and partake in social interaction. In a nutshell, our wonderful wildlife can still be enjoyed and we can still be thrilled by what we see or hear when out or about, you may just have to wrap up a little bit whilst out there.
Have a wonderful Autumn, maybe enjoy the berries yourselves by making sloe gin, like I do, rose hip vodka or elderberry wine (recipes available upon request!) please just leave some for the birds!
Autumn is definitely my favourite time of year, I love to see all the incredible vibrant colours! 🍁🍂 Lovely to see a couple of swallows still hanging on today too :) thank you for sharing your knowledge and passion for nature Lee 🥾🐦⬛🌸⛰️
Fascinating as always..I would dearly love to spot a Redwing or Fieldfare. Autumn is a lovely time of year especially with the turning of the leaves..a kind of beautiful melancholy...
"Nature does not stop or die, it is simply adapting and changing to cope with the differing conditions... ...life goes on and species still need to find food and partake in social interaction" - wise words, Lee.