Swan Lake
‘July
is not the best time to go,’ I read. But I went anyway to a bird reserve near
Shrewsbury. It looked as if everyone had taken the advice because there was no
one there. Finding the place was not easy. Down a country lane with no clear
markings the hedge was overgrown and even the Satnav had given up, but we persisted
with vague memories of going there a year ago.
The
good thing was that there was plenty of parking as no cars had ventured here.
The bramble tendrils were reaching over the path as we edged towards the hide. The
view was so peaceful and quiet with water stretched out in front of us with
little islands to the side. I saw the grey heron immediately, standing frozen
in the shallows almost exactly in the same position as I had seen it last year.
Had it ever moved from this spot? There were gulls calling with a few waders
and water birds.
I
found a visitors’ book where people wrote down what they had seen. Someone had
spotted a kingfisher only a few days ago. But I did not see one although I
looked so carefully.
I
remember a similar visitor’s book at Welney in Norfolk. In those days you could
stay in a self-catering cottage very near the lake. Of course, I read through
the visitors’ book to see what birds had been seen. I came across a painting
one of the visitors had done. I thought it was very good and no wonder because
it was signed by Peter Scott who founded the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust. Sir
Peter owned this house as he had bought large areas of the Ouse Washes. What a
thrill it was to see the little painting and I hope that it was kept safely by
the Trust.
I did
not see any rare birds at the Shrewsbury pool, but Mr T saw a relatively rare fritillary
butterfly in the sunshine amongst the brambles. It was very big and orange with
black patterns on its wings. We wrote it down in the visitors’ book so that
others could look out for it.
The
butterflies at home are returning in good numbers. I sit out on the patio and
watch them on our buddleia bush. It is the Big Butterfly count for the next
week or so. I should think they will have splendid records if our garden is
anything to go by.
Our
blackberries are fruiting in what looks like a record year too. Lots of berries
were pulped and strained; the reduced juice fills two jars. It is a good time
to make jelly.
(Taken from my column in the Shropshire Star)
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