Friday 2 November 2018

Autumn Light at NT Wicken Fen


Many wildlife-lovers and poets would probably name autumn as their favourite season, and while I am not one of them, I love the bright colours and the intensity of the light that can be enjoyed at NT Wicken Fen in October (and yes, it was still late October when we visited).

We kept an eye out for a Kingfisher, but were not rewarded.


This was the view up the lode. 'Lode' is a late Middle English word for a watercourse, found frequently on the Fens, where it refers to an artificial waterway, usually for drainage. 


A moth larva was rapidly disappearing in the undergrowth at the edge of the reedbeds. 


I don't suppose we will see many more dragonflies now until 2018, but there is a wonderful dragonfly poem in a new book, Thaw, by Charles Bennett, Wicken Fen Poet in Residence, just out from Fair Acre Press.


I don't feel I have had a very good dragonfly-spotting season, but it may be more to do with location than climate issues.


It was lovely to see these Goldfinches out in force at the top of a bare tree.


I have taken so many photos like the one below over the years...


... but the windpump on the reserve always draws the eye.


On the butterfly front...


it was the Speckled Woods...



...who were stealing the show.


You can see the changing light...


I am wondering what work is being done on the Butterfly Walk, which is one of my favourite parts of the reserve - and a good place for Brimstones, 'Blues' and Brown Argus in spring and summer.



I love the little 'dragonfly' cottage...


Light was fading as we passed the fenman's cottage.


Time for a last windpump picture...


... and, of course, one of a sparrow, since this is one of the best places we know for watching (and hearing) these birds that were once so much of a part of our lives.


I took a last look at the watery reflections...


... before we headed for home.

6 comments:

Ragged Robin said...

A wonderful set of images Caroline and what a super place to wander. It would be interesting to know what they are doing on the butterfly walk. I've seen quite a few damselflies this year but few dragonflies. Have a lovely weekend.

Jennifer Tetlow said...

So much enjoyed walking with you this morning, and beautiful images

Amanda Peters said...

Wow what a lovely place the light is lovely, and you got to see some lovely things. How quickly the days change into November, misty dull and dark. I miss light evening so much.
So lovely to see your photos.
Amanda xx

Lowcarb team member said...

Hello Caroline, so lovely to see and read your post here.
Your photographs are so lovely and I did enjoy seeing the wind-pump on the reserve, a very nice sight indeed.

Enjoy your November days.

All the best Jan

Lowcarb team member said...

I felt sure I'd commented on your lovely post here …
Great set of photographs.

All the best Jan

Crafty Green Poet said...

beautiful photos