earlybirder: MOV020

Wednesday 8 February 2012

MOV020

Light was fading and the bitterns had flown to roost in their usual spot opposite the hide when two foxes appeared. One stayed a while and seemed to enjoy the snow before taking advantage of the frozen reed bed. I watched it stalk and then chase (unsuccessfully) a water rail before disappearing into the reeds.

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Look at the sky, listen to the birds and smell the flowers....

Why the 'Earlybirder'? As a boy I slept in a room overlooking gardens and an old orchard. I preferred to sleep with the curtains open and as it became light in the morning I would get up and, armed with a heavy old pair of binoculars and an even heavier and older bicycle, head out to explore the Welsh Harp, Ruislip Lido or Cassiobury Park.

I like the exclusivity of early mornings. It's the best part of the day...the air is often still and fresh and the birdsong is not masked by the hum of lawnmowers or background hiss of traffic. The sun of a new day sheds a uniquely bright light which gives everything, from flowers to feathers, a lustre which fades in the less-forgiving light later in the day. The world belongs to you and you feel so alive. While others sleep the rest of the world awakes. To witness a sunrise, focus on the incredible richness of a nightingale's song or watch a newly-hatched mandarin chick dry in the warmth of a pool of morning sun is to experience life at its purest. Bed can wait...

Wednesday 8 February 2012

MOV020

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Link to WWT - Welney