O Nightingale! thou surely art - A creature of a "fiery heart":--These notes of thine--they pierce and pierce;Tumultuous harmony and fierce!
One dream came true today - I heard and saw a nightingale, in fact several. 4.45am found us in the car on our wedding anniversary on the way to Paxton Pits for an early morning walk. And it was well worth getting up so early- the thrill of hearing this lovely song will stay with me- and to see one was a big extra. Many poets have tried to capture the essence of this song but I think John Clare is the nearest for me - such a little bird- overwinters somewhere in West Africa, arrives here in late April, sings his heart out to find a mate, moults and probably in August starts the long journey back to winter sun. One little creature ringed at Paxton was found to be at least 7 years old - all that flying, so much singing - what a fiery heart indeed. What a wonderful anniversary gift.
And along with a very loud cuckoo, we heard another first- the soft purring of this gentle turtle dove. Sitting on top of a tree this fine clear morning- another summer visitor.
Warblers were in full song and alongside were several whitethroats -which has journeyed back for the summr probably from the Sahara or even further afield. Proud of its song it sat on top of this bush to perform.
And a last treat on the way home - this was one of a pair of grey wagtails enjoying the sunshine at Roxton Lock. What a perfect morning - and a new song never to be forgotten.
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