Nice day off...

[The Black Rabbit]

Day off today so I thought I'd take have a relaxing day by some local lakes at Theale (Berkshire), munching on sandwiches etc..., by myself.
These lakes are SIX minutes outside Reading on a train (they're well known round 'ere).
What a grand day I've had!
Loads of Wigeon (my favourite duck I think), Shoveler, Gadwall and Goldeneye! (Both male and female).
It didn't end there - A lovely view of a big female Sparrowhawk chasing Redwing, lots of Fieldfare and last but not least.... TWO Peregrines - one flying above me, t'other sat on top of an electricity pylon on an island in the biggest lake.... just watching the to-ings and fro-ings of life around it.
Even a warm sun came out late in the walk, as I ambled down the canal tow path looking at the glorious autumn colours, (and the rabbits in the fields).
Sometimes I remember that its good to be alive, and not too bad round these here parts after all!
Doug

[demicav]

Sounds great, nothing like relaxing by the lake and the Raptors are an added bonus.

[naturelover]

hi black rabbit glad to hear of your nice day,weather has been quite good exept for a few showers,but its not cold for november,i know what you mean when you say your giad to be alive,i have felt that very often when you see all the wonders of the country side,i think england is the best for country life,i dont know about you but these other hot countrys are fine but i am glad i live in england,thanks mum and dad.

[mh68]

Originally Posted by The Black Rabbit

Day off today so I thought I'd take have a relaxing day by some local lakes at Theale (Berkshire), munching on sandwiches etc..., by myself.
These lakes are SIX minutes outside Reading on a train (they're well known round 'ere).
What a grand day I've had!
Loads of Wigeon (my favourite duck I think), Shoveler, Gadwall and Goldeneye! (Both male and female).
It didn't end there - A lovely view of a big female Sparrowhawk chasing Redwing, lots of Fieldfare and last but not least.... TWO Peregrines - one flying above me, t'other sat on top of an electricity pylon on an island in the biggest lake.... just watching the to-ings and fro-ings of life around it.
Even a warm sun came out late in the walk, as I ambled down the canal tow path looking at the glorious autumn colours, (and the rabbits in the fields).
Sometimes I remember that its good to be alive, and not too bad round these here parts after all!
Doug

Great stuff. I know of those lakes indirectly through fishing.Sounds like a very enjoyable (and productive ) day.

Mark H

[Goatboy]

Sounds like my kind of day out

Whilst it's always nice to spot the rarities, I'm more than happy spending a day watching Mallards and Moorhens. I know there will be some twitchers out there who think I'm mad, but each to their own I guess.

Just being out in the peace and quiet, surrounded by nature on a beautiful day, reminds me that life is worth living.

And never under-estimate the joy that a good packed lunch can bring