Sunday 4th September (Sun on Sunday)


Mr. Kite looked out of his bedroom window into a bright sun.  The leaves on the lime trees were turning browner as the number of green ones are reduced. In the dry weather autumn seems earlier and the autumn colours appearing.

In the morning Mr. Kite cycled to Venus Pool via Atcham Bridge. A large flock of Canadian Geese sat on the banks of the River Severn and more sailed down the river at a leisurely speed. Now Mr. Kite cycled over one bridge and walked over the other. Below the parapets fisherman were Salmon fishing without any success.

Heading towards Cross Houses Mr. Kite disturbed a covey of about ten Red-legged Partridge scattering them across fields, towards trees and crashing through hedgerows. However Mr. Kite would rather find a covey of Grey Partridge but these are becoming rarer. Once again Venus Pool was lower than the previous visit. Three Ruff, three Green Sandpipers and the usual mob of Cormorants, gaggle of Greylags   and Mallards were on the pool.

In the dried grass and thistles to the right of the hide attracted a large charm of Goldfinches that  fed on the seeds and then flew to the waters edge for a bath and drink. These colourful and lively birds soon attracted the attention of a Sparrowhawk that swooped onto the charm but having a charmed life they all escaped being a morning meal. But Mr. Kite thought the hawk would probably return later.

The warming sun made Mr. Kite thirsty so he returned home for a tipple of Shepherd Neame Late Red Autumn Hop Ale. Cheers.