And so the turning year slides into autumn, that somewhat melancholy time of gold, yellow and brown falling leaves that flutter to the ground, at least that is until the stormy seasonal winds wrench them from the branches that have nurtured them as the miracle of photosynthesis has sustained the many plants that have evolved to capitalise on this remarkable process.

We can but marvel at the subtle colours nature lays before us. I along with my many birding friends have for some weeks now experienced something of a lull in our birding activities, for it has been that time of year when young birds and moulting adults have been rather reclusive as they keep very much to themselves to avoid the risk of predation but we have not been idle during this quiet time.

Most of my fellow ornithological enthusiasts are like me lovers of natural history in all its many forms and I have been enjoying just the most superb butterfly and moth season for some years, as a miserable spring turned into a glorious summer giving these beautiful creatures a year that has been so good for them. You have probably noticed the butterfly tree the buddleia planted by so many gardeners to attract butterflies and attract it most certainly has with species such as the common tortoiseshell, peacock and several varieties of whites absolutely covering this plant and giving us all close-up views of these common butterflies.

Other interesting and not so common beauties have also been in evidence like the clouded yellow I found in a field at Stanford in the Vale and the silver-washed fritillary in Buckland Warren, and small copper close to where I saw the clouded yellow and brown argus nearby. I’m thinking of a special favourite and I have several but a small butterfly that is in fact rather common and named common blue, pictured left, is I think a real gem this lovely creation had a really good year with literally dozens being evident on my many countryside walks and long may it continue to prosper.

A wryneck at Lark Hill, above Wantage, recently attracted large numbers of birders, as this rather elusive on-passage bird, gave fleeting views to an appreciative audience. The usual movement of redstarts and wheatears has been in full flow and I noted wheatears in a field alongside Shellingford Quarry. Of course places such as Otmoor and Farmoor are always well worth a visit, as there is a good chance of a rarity turning up.