On Wednesday 3rd October I took a trip over to St Mary’s Church, Worplesdon. This was to gather more ideas for the next Forest Church meet.
It was pleasantly empty. I was alone apart from the graves of many who have passed on.
I headed to the south east corner of the churchyard where the public footpath exits into a large field. I pondered the view thinking of using this for some opening out thoughts. I was watched by an estate worker which was off-putting so I headed back into the churchyard.
Re-entering the grounds I heard a trilling sound and tried to make out where the sound in the hedge-line was coming from. I noted a small green shape with a flash of what appeared red on its head. I was immediately distracted by a squirrel.
The squirrel had a whole sweet chestnut still in its case, clamped in its mouth! I had not seen this before. Obviously the squirrel was able to withstand the feel of the spines! It approached me through the trees making a sub-vocal chattering sound; getting nearer and nearer and giving me a look as if to say you are in my way! What are you doing?! I watched as long as my patience endured which wasn’t so long as the small green bird suddenly showed itself.
The binoculars I had with me I immediately brought into action. I had a fantastic view of a firecrest as it came out to the edge of the Holly and showed all its colours. The green tones of the body and striking stripes on the head of black white and orange.
This moment was one of those which I have written about before. I was out and about preparing something unrelated to bird watching. I tend to carry binoculars with me anyway so I was prepared in one way. I certainly wasn’t out looking for a firecrest!
As I drank this in I lost the firecrest and descended or should I say ascended into the sound of many small twitterings belonging to long tailed tits. They were all around me with nuthatches, blue tits and great tits. The sound was all around but it was difficult to detect where it was coming from. Subtle movements caught my eye but often turned out to be a breeze moved twig.
I forgot to mention this part of the churchyard is quite dark due to the presence of two or three large yews. Seeing these trees was special enough without the birds. Having both around me was an added bonus. The light was breaking through an opening in the canopy which added to the ambience.
I love these kind of moments, unexpected and uplifting! Stirs the soul to a higher place.