Thursday 14 April 2016

AN EXULTATION OF MEMORIES




There is one location, not too far from home, where I regularly like to walk, Why?...it reminds me of my childhood...it was a long time ago but some things I can still remember! 

I grew up in the Cambridgeshire countryside and a memory that is always with me is going out into the fields on a bright and sunny day..(Hmm?..that's another memory) to watch and listen as the many (I seem to remember there were lots more then!) Skylarks (Alauda arvensis)  took to the wing and slowly rose higher and higher into the sky while singing that unforgettable melodious song before dropping back down to earth like a stone before, seemingly at the last minute, opening their wings to make a safe landing.

The area where I visit now doesn't seem to hold as many but it's still a pleasure to stop for a while to watch and listen...an remember!


And to take a few photographs, of course....









I'm still working on the flight shots....these are as good as it gets at the moment!

 

 

 Exultation..I'm sure you know...is the collective name for a group of Skylarks.
 

11 comments:

Bob Bushell said...

Fantastic images Trevor, the Skylark are beautiful, especially in flight.

ADRIAN said...

They are definitely and uplifting sight.

The Herald said...

Thanks Bob...[;o)

Adrian, they're always a joy to see, and hear...[;o)

holdingmoments said...

Yea, definitely one of the best childhood memories of summers past.
Great shots Trev.

FOREST SNAPPER said...

I was in a meadow today with these lovely birds in, all singing away as you say. I have not had a go at getting any photos of these birds yet but i think it wont be easy.



peter

Roy Norris said...

Some fantastic shots Trevor.
I am fairly optimistic about the Skylark from experiencing them around this area. I am still seeing the same kind of numbers. Some Farmers are providing skylark patches in the middle of larger fields and have been doing that for a few years now.
I certainly remember hearing them as a boy and I also remember seeing the Common Buzzard soaring around down in my home county of Somerset. Still seeing plenty of them around here as well. (Cambridgeshire Northamptonshire border)
Hmm! what was those words you used "Bright and sunny day" what do they mean.??

The Herald said...

Thanks Keith, some memories are worth holding on to...[;o)

Peter, it's always a treat to forget time for a moment and immerse yourself in the sounds and sights of nature.
Go on, have a go, I'm sure you'll get some excellent images...[;o)

Roy, I guess you're in 'Skylark country' there?
Perhaps my memories are playing tricks on me (It's been quite a few years!!) but there seemed to be many more about back then.
Good news that the farmers are doing their bit to help our farmland birds.
Plenty of Buzzards around here still, although they're in danger of getting outnumbered by Red Kites!...[;o)

The Herald said...

Roy, I forgot to say, no sun here today...it's a pop group day...WET WET WET!...[;o{

Findlay Wilde said...

Fantastic Skylark shots. I've never even managed a picture on the ground let alone in the air :)

Douglas Mcfarlane said...

Can't even begin to think what you were doing in the fields at such a young age :-) You've got more flight shots of Skylarks then me and I like the last one. I find they can be tricky to lock onto.

The Herald said...

Thanks Findlay, I'm lucky that I can get some good Skylark photo opportunities so close to home...[;o)

Douglas, being born and bred in the country side I got a good introduction to nature and spent most of my school holidays out exploring in the local fields and meadows (times were different, and safer, way back in the dark ages!!)

Yep, a lot of luck involved with those flight shots...lol...[;o)