Autumnal weekend

These adorable goldfinches greeted me every morning. I could hear their twitterings from outside our bedroom window. Flocks of them, some hanging upside down or perching acrobatically on the seed-heads, were busy having their breakfast. I think they were so used to me shoving my camera below them that they just ignored me. I could stand for hours just observing them. It gives out a very nice feeling.

On Saturday, I took my usual early morning walk, in the breaking sunshine. The rain had cleared. I just couldn’t resist kicking through the piles of fallen leaves that lie in drifts everywhere on the pavement. I’ve never outgrown the sheer joy of kicking through them. I’m not bothered at all if anyone sees me. It was one of life’s small pleasures. Do give it a try!!! I know you want to…

Often in the morning, when I opened the door, my face brushed against a spider's web all glistening with the early morning dew. Someone’s working hard all night long weaving these beautiful delicate works of art. Just imagine the effort taken to do these intricate fishing nets. Gorgeous isn’t it.

As usual, a visit to Brandon Marsh is a must. This morning was brighter but as the afternoon arrived, the clouds moved in and the temperature dropped. It was very quiet and we could see the changing colours around us. Everything was in glorious colour : golden, copper, saffron, yellow, sienna, scarlet and crimson, with a bit of green, here and there.

We checked out all the hides. It was very quiet at Baldwin Hide although the kingfisher did make a very quick flyby. All you could see was a flash of blue and a piercing cry. Several snipes were having a siesta opposite East Marsh hide.

We continued on to Carlton Hide. It was also very quiet except for a couple of noisy people we knew. Then a sandpiper made his grand appearance all you could hear were the cameras in action. A buzzard flew onto the nearby tree but not for long. She was mobbed by a couple of crows. The heavens opened and we’d to close the shutters cos the rain was getting in. As soon as it stopped, we made a quick dash home.

Sunday was very promising. It was a bit nippy but with bright, bright sunshine. We made our way to Draycote Waters. Many people, too, were taking advantage of the lovely weather. But not many waders about. The mudbanks where they used to feed have dried up. Wonder why?

We spotted this pair of Little Grebes  feeding and swimming very close to the banks. Hundreds of coots were also enjoying the lovely weather. We haven’t seen any Great Crested Grebes about. I guess they were having a siesta at the further end of the lake. Since there was nothing much going on, we decided to call it a day.

But the weather was just too nice to leave it alone. Since our favourite playground is along the way, we decided to drop in. I’m glad we did. As usual, this Great Speckled Woodpecker  came over to say hello.

As we walked along the path, we spotted this migrant hawker sunbathing, taking advantage of the warmth. It was very nice to see them, still flying about. At East Marsh Hide, at least a dozen snipes (below) were seen feeding on the island.

When I called my parents in Malaysia this weekend, my father was at my grandmother’s. He and my sister were attending a prayer session for my uncle who will be going to Mecca next week to perform the Hajj. Wow…his calling had arrived. I managed to talk to him to wish him and his wife a very safe journey and may they have a very blessed pilgrimage. Amen.

Meanwhile, I’m still full of cold. I have a very, red runny nose (just don’t call me Rudolph lol), a head full of tumbling bricks, a throat that sounded like Kermit lived there, and watery eyes. I looked awful, sounded awful, felt awful…but apart from that, this was my first cold this year, touchwood. So I guess, better buckle up and hang on for the next few days for it to leave me alone. But, it’s nearly a week now…:-)

The cold snap was forecast for next week. Hmm.. winter's in a hurry to arrive. The weathermen were calling for anything from frost in some areas, to snow in higher areas, and cold temperatures all around. Guess better wrap up warm, then.

Do keep warm and be safe.