It’s autumn. Gradually, the balance shifts; The sunny days are fewer and further between while grey skies and cold, cutting wind become the “new normal”. Leaves change colour and drop and the late fruit in our forest garden bulge and beg to be picked. The Alpacas move out in to their pasture, their summer’s work done.

Autumn is really a transition more than a distinct season. The summer birds leave one by one; Honey Buzzards and Swallows are already long gone. The exodus continues as Reed Warblers, Flycatchers , Whitethroats and Blackcaps sneak away to warmer climates.

But now, as the days grow short, our local birds come out to play. Blue Tits, Nuthatch, Woodpeckers of many sizes and shapes, Wrens and Dunnocks; They puff up their feathers against the chill and happily go about their business while a Robin livens the cold day with his bright song.

And as for me? I too have travel plans. I hope it all works out – these days there are more hoops to jump through than usually. But, fingers crossed, the next post will be written from somewhere very different – watch this space!