Category: nature

All the Ducks in a Row

It’s winter-time and there’s a wider variety of ducks on the go. I don’t ususally bother that much with them as they mostly just sit there on the water. But then when you start seeing some variation.

The flock above are Widgeons – I’d only seen a pair before and here there was around 30 of them floating on the edge of the Clyde Estuary like a flotilla of wee boats. Then someone’s dog ran into the water and spooked them – off the flew – just far enough to get away from said dog.

Continue reading “All the Ducks in a Row”

A Walk in the Woods

Walking alone in the woods is a different thing. No matter how bright the sun shines or how calm the weather, there is uncertainty; an uncertainty that doesn’t follow you on any other walk. Even if you’re following a good path, being unable to see beyond the next tree has an effect on your psyche. And quite soon you experience the feeling that you can no longer be seen by anyone else – and you really are on your own.

Continue reading “A Walk in the Woods”

Insect World – 6 June

Eventually I sit down at the edge of the pond, and let the damselflies drift along the bank towards me. They settle on the grasses or glide over the water, just there. It seems in part magical as these little slivers of jewellery waft around. Mostly Common Blues …. but some red ones too. At one time, they were called the ‘Devil’s darning needles’ – and the myth was that if perchance you were to lie and sleep beside the water, they would come and sew your eyelids up – a story to scare the kids.

Continue reading “Insect World – 6 June”