Golden Days

Sometimes this blog sits on the back burner for a few weeks; sometimes it sits there for months! Sometimes there are so many things you have to do that it's difficult to fit in the things you really want to do. That being said, there are those times when you should allow yourself the luxury of just putting your coat on, going outside and closing the door, leaving behind your never ending to-do-list. Don't worry, it will still be waiting for you when you get back!
Autumn, particularly when the leaves are such glorious red and golden shades, is too beautiful a season to miss out on. You don't need to go far either; a walk down a tree lined suburban street can be a delight at this time of year. Your local park is guaranteed to be putting on a dazzling autumnal display, as mine was yesterday.

The park covers an area of approximately 45 acres and remains largely unchanged from the original layout, designed by landscape architect Thomas Hayton Mawson, in 1908. In 2005 the park benefited from some financial investment and several areas were redeveloped. Improvements included a new bandstand, pavillion and cafe. 

 

The former Park Keeper's house is now utilised by an Arts group.

The flower beds are meticulously tended all year round, with many seasonal displays to enjoy. The rose garden was full of delicious scents and colours.

 

Overlooking the park at its highest point is the Cenotaph, which commemorates those who lost their lives in WW1, WW2 and also the Korean War.

In recent years several commemorative benches have been placed around the Cenotaph.

  
As we were on our way out of the park we were amused to see a tail-less squirrel busily finding and burying nuts in readiness for colder weather, which is no doubt waiting just around the corner.

 Thanks for visiting, I hope you've enjoyed the photos.

Late Summer at Leighton Moss

You may have gathered by now that Leighton Moss is one of my favourite places to visit, especially in late summer and early autumn. This year, as is often the case in mid-September, the weather has been beautifully calm, warm and sunny. The green reed beds of the summer months have begun to take on a multitude of golden hues.

Buzzard

Cormorant

At this time of year the birds always seem to me to be taking a bit of a break after working so hard to build nests and rear their young. The garden at home always goes a bit quiet and I picture to myself the exhausted parents taking a well-earned holiday minus the children!

Reed Warbler

 
Marsh Harrier numbers have been steadily increasing at Leighton Moss, with several successful nests this year.
A few choose to overwinter here instead of migrating to Africa.

There was a bit of a spat between a Marsh Harrier and the Buzzard. No harm done to either one though.

Colourful dragonflies whizz to and fro, never settling for more than a few seconds before they are off again, performing miniature acrobatic displays as they flip upside down to catch their prey in mid-air.

Otter spotting is always top of my list and I usually see at least one whenever I visit. This fella was enjoying his breakfast of eels, as you can see.

 Down on the saltmarshes are wading birds such as Greenshanks, Ruffs, Avocets and Black-tailed Godwits..

Black Tailed Godwits

Avocet

 Back on the main reserve, Red Deer enjoy the lingering warmth of late summer. The quiet before the storm of the Autumn rut. This year's fawns still have a few spots visible on their coats.

 To my surprise a Moorhen was still busy collecting nest material. I've since learned that they can have multiple broods and that adolescent members of earlier broods help to feed and guard the younger chicks. There were indeed a couple of juveniles close by.

 A juvenile Robin was sun-baking on the path, totally unfazed by my close proximity as I passed by.

Also completely unpeturbed by my presence was a European Water Shrew. This is only the second time I've ever seen one; both times at Leighton Moss.

 Thanks for visiting my blog. I hope you've enjoyed the photos.