I think Autumn is becoming much more of a favourite time of year since I caught the photography bug. I always loved it but, often took it as the prelude to winter which I am not so keen on! But, taking photographs has a habit of making you look, really look around and appreciate the little things just that little bit more.
It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.
Henry David Thoreau
So, on each fine day experienced of late, I have wandered off somewhere along the valley. On a very cold day, I went a secured myself a little place and watched this scene for a couple of hours.
Despite the cold, I was so busy watching the antics of two Dippers that I didn’t notice it very much. Sadly, my photo’s leave a lot to be desired, this is a spot I need to return to earlier in the day.
Together, with a Grey Wagtail they all kept me entertained for some time!
I have also spent some time walking around Dudmaston. Not the Hall because it is closed at this time of year but on the opposite side of the road, there are a number of public footpaths.
Carpets of yellow around every corner but I also love the mix of coniferous and deciduous trees.
Some just look beautiful all on their own
Colour is everywhere even down the tiny fungi which is so easy to miss.
For a photographer there are inevitably frustrations. Down in the Severn Valley Country Park, we saw this little fellow on one of the pools last month.
It was on a cloudy day and I was so hoping to get back with better light. Unfortunately, I got back this week and they have drained the pool to cut back the reeds. Furthermore, as I sat in the hide, the works party showed up so no chance of spotting anything! In fact, I went walking and for the first time in ages I spotted my elusive Green Woodpecker. Steadied myself, took aim and guess what? ……That work party showed up again *deep sigh*.
Thankfully, the scenes were beautiful and are getting more so by the day.
I still spotted a Common Darter dragonfly which was quite hard to see on Autumn foliage and seems quite late for this region. Of course, there are always some birds that are a little more tolerant of human presence too.
Our garden feeders are getting a lot busier as it cools down and with migration in place, no doubt there will be some changes in our bird sightings now. I shall leave you with a final image of the sun going down over the River Severn
As we are now into November, I guess my next post will be winter!
Purely Photography 