Monday September 2nd. On a wet, grey morning visit Belvide reservoir and spot the rare Pectoral Sandpiper, just before he flies off with a Common Sandpiper.
Tuesday September 2nd. Our White Ladies walk, on a perfect early September afternoon. In the warm sunshine, blue Chicory flowers sway softly, butterflies dance in the parched grasses, and a pristine Southern Hawker dragonfly enjoys the warmth. And the distant Shropshire hills look inviting; more exploration for next summer’s adventures.
Wednesday September 4th. Pendleton Nature Reserve has a distinct autumnal feel.
Thursday September 5th. On the Severn Valley Railway from Bridgnorth to Bewdley for a fish ‘n chip lunch. Steam train retro day with guests Hetty and Mary.
Saturday 7th September. Another visit to Belvide on a grey drizzly morning to see the Pectoral Sandpiper.
Monday September 9th. Explore around Chillington, where the Monarch’s Way is destroyed by ploughing, frustratingly. Pleasant though to walk on the Chillington Estate flanked by huge oaks and beech alive in the strong early autumn breeze.
Wednesday September 11th. Cannock Chase circuit around some lakes on a cool breezy day.
Thursday September 12th. Tufties on the waves at Belvide.
Saturday September 14th. A visit to Blithfield Reservoir. Lots of distant birds and nice woodland.
In the afternoon it’s Villa Park for a nerve jangling win against Everton, with Aston Hall Park looking glorious in the late sunlight.
Sunday September 15th. Our canal walk, returning through the Orchard, seeing a huge Penny Bun Boletus.
Monday September 16th. A balmy September afternoon, with butterflies and dragonflies and big skies, walking the fields near home.
Tuesday September 17th. Shropshire Union and its canal side trees on a sunny early autumn day.
Thursday September 19th. Visit Ironbridge with Charlotte and Belle.
Friday September 20th. Say goodbye to Charlotte after a lovely visit with Belle.
Monday September 23rd. The sixth French adventure begins, driving in torrential rain from Brewood to the Eurotunnel for lunch; then to fondly remembered Boulogne-sur-mer, for a harbour walk in warm afternoon sunlight. Revisit our air b&b and Le Restaurant de la Haute Ville for a very tasty dinner of fish and meringue dessert.
Tuesday September 24th. From Boulogne to Orleans to our Pyramid home, and in time for a very warm stroll along the Loire. See my first Common Blue of the year, lots of Grey Heron and a Kingfisher diving from the bank. Dinner at Les Toques for salmon on olive mash with mushrooms followed by delicious îles flottantes.
Thursday September 26th. Our first walk of our Alet holiday, down the Limoux trail on a warm morning. So delightful to see dragonflies, butterflies and a wonderful moth caterpillar. Strange though to see the spent Cistus plants which remind me of a lost Spring but one we’ll revisit for sure in 2025.
For lunch on Julie’s birthday visit Gayda and as the grey clouds gather our food is superb!
Friday September 27th. A wet walk up San Salvayre up beyond the farm where our usual dogs and chickens are waiting near the goats, bells ringing. Wood larks sing and House Martins gather towards the top, butterflies fly in the drizzle, and fresh fungi emerge.
Saturday September 28th. To Couiza for the short walk, hoping for sunhine but in short supply. See fleeting glimpse of Painted Lady and a big Banded Grayling on the wing.
Sunday September 29th. To the Cabanes on their fête day. It’s sunny and warm and the vines look so green with red grapes still to be harvested. Then to Rennes le Chateau for another splendid lunch overlooking the Pyrenees.
Monday September 30th. Valmigère on a hot sunny morning is teeming with butterflies and insects. The Pyrenees, always impressive, lie majestically silent on the horizon, the perfect backcloth to yellow fields of narrow leaved ragwort. Praying Mantis are everywhere, dancing over the parched fields as Violet Carpenter Bees busy themselves in wild Marjoram.
Favourite 12 photos September 2024
