After my stint at Charleston today, I met my friend for a dog walk along the coach road, which runs along the bottom of the South Downs, and while it was extremely muddy and sufficiently well-populated with fat pheasants for the dogs to remain on their leads, it was great to enjoy the cool, grey mizzle as we picked our way through the chalky ruts and divots.
Male Stonechats were flitting between the headlands, perching atop the dead stems of cow parsley to watch us walk by. A Robin, cross about us invading their territory, chipped at us from the safety of the hedge. Above us, a Red Kite swung across the sky, his forked tail and long wings effortlessly and elegantly navigating the upcurrents from the scarp slopes, living up to his name.
Squadrons of Wood Pigeons flew overhead, no doubt making their way over to the continent for the winter. There are lots of species of birds that appear to be resident, but in fact, the whole population moves south, so the Wood Pigeons we see over the winter are actually Scandinavian or Northern European, while “ours” move down to France and Eastern Europe. You might notice Blackbirds in your garden that are particularly flighty compared to the regulars at your bird table, and often these are visitors from colder climes who are taking advantage of our berry crop. There are about 10 berries on our pyracantha whereas last year it was covered…
Here are some illustrations of birds with autumn-hued plumage:
Psst the clocks go back tonight!
