September nature to look for - Tuesday 4th September 2018
September is a great month, autumn in its many guises is getting underway as nature begins to wind down for the approaching winter.
Most of the flowers along the coast are now setting seed, the shrubs and trees are fruiting, many with an opportunity to provide us with delicious food such as Blackberries for a pie, Hips and Sloes to add to alcohol, Elder berries to make that wine [get a good reference book and get making]; remember to leave enough for the wild creatures that will rely on this bounty to see them through the winter.
Birds have long been on the move especially the summer visitors such as Swallows, and Sand Martins. some birds will be arriving from the north to winter with us especially the wading birds such as Sanderling or even the scarce Curlew Sandpiper.
A walk across the dunes at Pembrey Burrows LNR could turn up any odd birds such as Whinchat departing for Africa or an early Merlin looking for somewhere to spend the winter.
There are still some wildflowers in bloom, usually in sheltered spots, including Restharrow and Soapwort; now there's an interesting plant; as it's common name suggests it can be used to make soap; the leaves can be boiled for around 30minutes the resulting concoction can then be used like a mild washing up liquid.
Myself I'm off to my favourite Greek island of Lesvos for another September visit where, hopefully under blue skies and a warm sun, autumn migration will be well underway.
For those of you not joining me, with the changeable weather conditions that are likely to be on the cards make the most of any good days and explore.
Most of the flowers along the coast are now setting seed, the shrubs and trees are fruiting, many with an opportunity to provide us with delicious food such as Blackberries for a pie, Hips and Sloes to add to alcohol, Elder berries to make that wine [get a good reference book and get making]; remember to leave enough for the wild creatures that will rely on this bounty to see them through the winter.
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| Elder Berries |
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| Sloes (the fruit of Blackthorn) |
Birds have long been on the move especially the summer visitors such as Swallows, and Sand Martins. some birds will be arriving from the north to winter with us especially the wading birds such as Sanderling or even the scarce Curlew Sandpiper.
 |
| Sanderling |
 |
| Curlew Sandpiper |
A walk across the dunes at Pembrey Burrows LNR could turn up any odd birds such as Whinchat departing for Africa or an early Merlin looking for somewhere to spend the winter.
 |
| Whinchat |
There are still some wildflowers in bloom, usually in sheltered spots, including Restharrow and Soapwort; now there's an interesting plant; as it's common name suggests it can be used to make soap; the leaves can be boiled for around 30minutes the resulting concoction can then be used like a mild washing up liquid.
Myself I'm off to my favourite Greek island of Lesvos for another September visit where, hopefully under blue skies and a warm sun, autumn migration will be well underway.
For those of you not joining me, with the changeable weather conditions that are likely to be on the cards make the most of any good days and explore.
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