Daily Nature Log ✍️

Feathers, Fins, and Morning Tea
    Margaret and I set off together for her exercise session, strolling across the grass to the wooden platform extending over the lake. Nearby on the bank, the swan family had assembled in full, giving Margaret a lovely vantage point to take a few photographs while resting on a bench.

     We then wandered back through the grounds into the ornamental garden. Margaret settled near the large fish pond, though the murky water initially obscured the carp swimming beneath. Luckily, a member of the grounds staff arrived to scatter handfuls of fish food, bringing the carp surging to the surface just long enough for me to capture a few photos.

     Back at the chalet, we settled in for a welcome cup of tea and biscuits. Our mid-morning break was brightened by a handsome little robin that landed nearby, posing obligingly for our cameras.

     Leaving Margaret to rest, I set out to complete the rest of my daily loop. The path led past impressive weeping willow trees sweeping low over the ground.
   Down by the water, a solitary crow pecked at the turf, while a trio of Egyptian geese—two goslings and a parent—doodled near the edge. Mallards lounged along the grassy bank, and a light-brown female floated peacefully on the water.      

    Alder trees towered over the surrounding reeds and bulrushes, where the swan family had gathered once more to preen, alongside a pair of handsome moorhens.
   I looped back to the chalet to rejoin Margaret, greeted once again by our friendly robin hopping about outside the door.

Stats
Distance: 2.21 miles
Duration: 54 minutes
Google Fit Heart Points: 3
Flora & Trees: Weeping Willow, Alder, Reeds, Bulrushes
Fauna & Wildlife: Mute Swan, Robin, Carp, Crow, Egyptian Goose (2 goslings, 1 parent), Mallard, Moorhen

Copyright ©️ Text, photographs and videos Written by John Yeo – All rights reserved.