Isn’t late summer glorious? I know we are supposed to love summer, but when you’re of Celtic heritage, heat and sun are not your friends. After the (frankly) unbearable heat and humid of the last 3 months, I am glad to return to cooler temperatures and the subtle shift into Autumn (my favourite season!).
Helmshore’s northern location means the autumn starts a few weeks before that in the south. The swallows were lining up to practice leaving on 7th August, and by this morning (20th), only a few stragglers remain.
The trees and hedgerows are laden with an abundant of berries, which I will be taking full advantage of come the weekend. I’m planning on crumbles, jellies and pickles seeing as I am home for the bank holiday.
Walking around Musbury in the mornings, the roe deer are gathering for the rut. This morning there were 6 in one field together, and a further 5 in the valley; listen out for the bellowing and clash of antlers as the bucks battle for dominance in the coming weeks.
The ongoing crow vs peregrine aerial battle continues this morning; it’s been going on for weeks. I’m not sure the crows will ever catch the peregrine, but they were gamely attempting to see it off.
Whilst I was watching the battle, a buzzard leisurely flew down a gave me some good shots. a very pale example here; the range of colours you see in this bird are extensive.
I have also seen a fox for the first time in weeks! Unfortunately I had a split second to make a decision; get a great picture, or get a tighter hold of the dog. I opted for the second, resulting in a sharp fence, and a blurry fox!
There is always next time!
A Dull Woman's Van Life 
Leave a comment