"Autumn Birds"

The wild duck startles like a sudden thought,
And heron slow as if it might be caught.
The flopping crows on weary wings go by
And grey beard jackdaws noising as they fly.
The crowds of starnels whizz and hurry by,
And darken like a clod the evening sky.
The larks like thunder rise and suthy round,
Then drop and nestle in the stubble ground.
The wild swan hurries hight and noises loud
With white neck peering to the evening clowd.
The weary rooks to distant woods are gone.
With lengths of tail the magpie winnows on
To neighbouring tree, and leaves the distant crow
While small birds nestle in the edge below.

Written by John Clare (1793 - 1864)


After lunch and a bit of bargain hunting with Mum and my niece, who had come to visit, I ventured out in the autumn air to stretch my legs and ended up beside the village duck pond. I don't know whether it's the time of year, or because it was nearly sunset, but all the ducks were dozing on the still water. This little lady wasn't sleeping, but she was very calm and relaxed just floating around. I know the drakes have more beautiful colours, but I have a soft spot for the subtle brown prettiness of the hens.