Walking by the water

[puddleshark]

The forecast was for a grey start, with heavy rain and gales to arrive later. But actually there was a watery sort of November sunrise, turning the reeds to gold along the river.



A muddy day for walking by the water. But that's alright. I have sturdy wellingtons.



Took the walk from Wareham town down to the river, hoping to hear lapwings in the half-flooded fields: the pee-wit! call that was the soundtrack of my childhood walks to school in winter. I always hope to hear them, and never do. The lapwings are gone.

But it's not all gloom. Little Egrets, which were extinct in this country when I was a child, are a common sight in cattle pastures now.


Godwits and Curlews feeding in among the rushes on the flood-plain meadows. Canada Geese flying honking overhead.







Along the path, the willows and the oaks still hold onto a few leaves.


Only the birches are bare.

A sharp wind blowing the reeds. Cold enough to make ungloved hands ache.









I didn't mean to walk far this morning - just down to the river, and back - but found myself carrying on, just a bit further, and a bit further, since the paths were passable; out into the reedbeds.







And from the reedbeds, back through the green, rushy pastures at Bestwall. A very soggy path along the field edge. But that's alright. My wellies are not just sturdy, they are tall.




And back along the shady lane to Wareham town.

Comments

[mallorys_camera]

You are a remarkable photographer.

[puddleshark]

Thank you!

Of course, I only see the technical problems with my photos - I want them all to be professional quality, and they never are.

But the reedbeds on a windy day are such a fabulous place to be out with a camera... I had a wonderful time. That's all that matters.

[stormehowl]

So magical!

[puddleshark]

It really is a magical walk, that path through the reedbeds, with the wind whispering in the reeds, and the wading birds calling...

[asakiyume]

Love the closeup on the reed leaves, and also your first shot, the light in the tassels. There's a big stand of reeds near me that was looking similar this afternoon.

[puddleshark]

Thank you!

I love being out in the reedbeds on days like yesterday, the sunrise turning the whole landscape to silver and gold...