It's birds I notice most now as I walk about the farm. There always seems to be a kestrel hunting over the fields, or resting on the wires between forays. And this buzzard is making itself very at home. When we finally cut the grass in front of the lodges it turned up and followed the tractor, hoping for voles. I should think it got plenty, judging by the number of vole

tunnels there were in the long grass. We've seen the buzzard a lot over recent days, but heard its harsh cry even more frequently. It always makes me think of blue skies, even on a grey day.

Gardenning fell by the wayside this year, and I've been feeling bad about letting the weeks get out of hand. But now I don't feel so bad, because gorgeous goldfinchs have been feasting on the burdock seeds - can't think what they find to eat there, but they keep coming back. Their colours really light up the short days.