Until Next Year

It's that time of year again, when we say goodbye to our summer visitors and look forward to welcoming our winter friends. Some birds, like the Swifts, went quite a while ago, whereas I am still seeing some House Martins and Swallows around. They may of course just be on their way home and feeding en-route. Still brings a smile though as I look up and think awwww you're still here. I tend to look at them for a little longer than usual as I also think it might be another 6 months until I see them return. Hurry up Spring!!! It's already been too long. 

Some juvenile Swallows that I was watching over a meadow a few weeks ago on a lovely warm day.

Swallow

I had a lovely walk last weekend. The sun was shining and it was calm and warm. I was able to leave the jacket in the car and enjoy the delights of the Cheshire countryside. Lots of birds were busy feeding young and so making themselves obvious in flight and again on the ground.
The Swallows have not been back very long, but numbers are building up nicely and it's good to watch them gliding over the fields once again. Even better for me, is when they perch up on a cable or wire to allow me to take some pictures, and when the sun shines it's even better.

Swallows

Our little blue birds, the Swallow, will soon be making their way back to South Africa, in fact most are probably on their way already. I keep looking up when I'm out thinking it won't be long now. The Swifts have already gone, so I thought I'd pay these guys some attention before they depart my neighbourhood for another year.

Some of the juveniles looking nice and pristine in the warm evening sun.

Swallow - Titchwell

One Swallow doesn't make a Summer, but this guy got mine off to a great start back in May. I've always found it difficult to photograph these birds. They're either sat up on an unsightly wire high up, or swooping across the sky making it difficult to follow and capture them. This one however at Titchwell beach, kindly sat on a fence post at a much more dignified height and allowed me to get set up to take some decent shots. I was also lucky enough to have some decent sunlight to show off that wonderful blue, something that is difficult to see when the bird is in flight.

Autumn sunrise

The early mornings just recently have started to feel more autumnal. My hat has been on, as the temperatures at first light have been decidedly cooler. When the sun is coming up though, it does give some amazing orange light, as the first picture below shows at Church Lane, Woodford.
Birds are getting ready to leave these shores and others are moving in great numbers, like our geese.

First light in Woodford. The four white marks in the sky on the right hand side are actually planes on the same flight path.

Local Canada Geese off on their way.

These Swallows will soon be off to Africa for the winter. I'll miss these little fellas.