Autumn

Searching for Angels

I was too late on Monday to catch the early morning mist so decided to go to Lyth Hill and the local dead place, Longdon Road cemetery (Shropshire Ornithological Society has established that the cemetery is a peaceful haven for a range of birds such as wren, blue tit, long tailed tit, chaffinch, greenfinch, and chiffchaff). I could not find a specific Victorian headstone with an angel that I had photographed last year and explained to a cemetery worker what I was looking for. He replied "There are a lot of angels here, how big is it?   If you want a big angel, go over there and look at the gypsies graves!"

In search of Angels

Attingham Park, Shropshire

Attingham Park was very crowded early today as it was a lovely day and there was an Apple event.

Shropshire Hills

 

Attingham Park, Shropshire

There was only time for a quick walk in Attingham Park to check for evidence of autumn foliage. I am obviously too early despite noticing some trees a pale yellow shade nearer Shrewsbury.

Much Wedlock - Much Wedlock Edge

I couldn't get out very early this morning but decided to venture to Lea Quarry, Wedlock Edge to see if I could spot the Shropshire Fungus group but the site was enormous and although walking up to the ridge I did not spot a fungus or the group! After a couple of hours walk I returned to find a coffee shop in Much Wenlock and decided a shot from the window maybe fun.

Wild life on the Mere and fields of gold

It was a promising day to visit the Mere at Ellesmere one of the largest lakes of the nine glacial meres around the 'North Shropshire Lake District'. We only managed to see the Mere and Whitemere so at some time I should explore the others: Blakemere, Colemere, Crosemere, Hanmer Mere, Kettlemere, Newtonmere, and Sweatmere. Mere in English refers to a lake that is broad in relation to its depth, and it was a popular area to observe nesting herons but of course we were too late for that treat.  However, there was no shortage of other species of bird to contribute to the strong odour of  "Guano".   I did try to look up the species of goose with the large vent (a rear with a prolapsed appearance) but have not been able to source exactly what I saw. The nearest I could find was a "snow goose". An ornithologist opinion would be much appreciated.

On the way back I couldn't resist stopping to take a closer look at the harvest.

Shropshire

On the way home from Sheriffhales I ventured up a lane  to enjoy the landscape.