Tuesday 15 September
The United Nations has published a report today that backs up other recent research about the threat to biodiversity on earth.
The impact humans are having, due to their behaviours, is putting so many species of plants and animals under threat of extinction. It makes for very upsetting and unsettling reading. My worry is that we won’t take heed and act quickly and as a world.
It has been very warm today, nearly 30°c making it very uncomfortable at work. I came home and was desperate to get out to walk the dog. The fresh air is a tonic as is Mabel. Stan joined me too and talked about where he wants to go to University.
We only did a small local walk, but there was still plenty to notice. The branches of the trees along the lanes are losing their leaves; it starts with them drying up. That must reduce weight but the branches still remain low, droopy and sad. It is a melancholy sight and sadly, next spring seems a long way off.
We watched a crow seeing off a kestrel that had obviously strayed over the boundary. I think it was the same grumpy crow with the missing feathers again. The one that shooed off the buzzards and the heron.
It got me thinking about our native birds that stick around all year, every year. I am as guilty as the rest in getting excited at the thought of migrants hitting our shores from far off lands. Flying huge distances to feed and breed here, or simply to spend the winter. But tonight I considered the humble crow, robin and kestrel amongst others who hang around; locals who I see everyday. As autumn and winter unfold I am sure they will become very welcome sights and sounds.
The Bald Birder 