Winds of change
11 November 2006
Last Saturday the Fieldfares and Redwings were feeding on fallen apples in the orchards of Hereford, whilst the farmer busied himself with the harvest, the weather was beautiful and quite warm. I spied a Kingfisher flashing across one of the many ponds that lie on the margins of these heavy red clay fields. Ideally too deep for duck, they don’t hold many, but obviously have some small fish.
Thursday, the air was so still. Cock Pheasant calls echoing across the Yorkshire Dales – about the only bird to be seen – apart from the black Crows of course and a rush of Starlings going home to roost. I’d gone to call in on the Kingfishers, but my cousin was busy walling nearby and they were keeping a low profile.
A cold night left a good frost, but the day degenerated and blustery wind brought cold rain, almost sleet and the pair of Buzzards that inhabit the copse around the old Lime kiln, were reluctant to leave the protection of the Sycamores – circling around the wood as I passed by. The Crows were still there in plenty, with a few Seagulls scudding high overhead and four Teal sprang from the beck, however the Pheasant were not so ‘cocky’ – probably repairing to their secret places in good time for Saturday.
Fantasy RPA
