Ham Wall in Autumn

Just before we jump into the cold of winter I have put together some of my recent pictures taken around Loxton Marsh that do not have starlings in them.

The Loxtons in Autumn - Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_2003

The Loxtons in Autumn – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_2003

The main railway line track cuts down the centre of the reserve.  I walked, and cycled, up and down this track so many times that it is easy to forget how valuable it is.

Autumn Light

Last year I stood here to watch the starlings.  Soft autumn light and the colours on the overhanging oak tree fill the time.  Hopefully, a family of long-tailed tits will amble pass.

The Loxtons in Autumn - Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_2003

The Loxtons in Autumn – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_2003

I tend to take too many backlight pictures.  But when the low sun creates these colours who could stop pressing the shutter.

Golden Leaves - Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_2084

Golden Leaves – Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 808_2084

This oak grows on the track leading into Loxtons Marsh. Its branches create a small window through to the neighbouring Waltons Heath.

Autumn Sunset - Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_7030

Autumn Sunset – Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_7030

Red admirals can be seen on a mild day at any time of year.

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) - Ham Wall Somerset, UK. ID 808_2014

Red Admiral (Vanessa atalanta) – Ham Wall Somerset, UK. ID 808_2014

Sometimes a rainbow can just appear – I never noticed any rain.

Evening Rainbow - Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6971

Evening Rainbow – Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_6971

The low light can make the colours of reeds glow.

The swan Family go for a swim - Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_8178

The swan Family go for a swim – Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_8178

The starlings normally arrive just after the sun has set.  Plenty of opportunities to photograph the last few rays.

Last rays of the sun - Loxtons Marsh, Somerset, UK. ID 823_9203

Last rays of the sun – Loxtons Marsh, Somerset, UK. ID 823_9203

The line of trees that separates Loxtons Marsh from Waltons Heath creates a net curtain through the reserve.

Trees - Sunset at Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_0064

Trees – Sunset at Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_0064

Early in the season there may be enough evening light after the starlings have dropped to catch a beautiful reflections on the way back to the car park.

Unexpected Sunset - Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_8549

Unexpected Sunset – Waltons Heath, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_8549

Sometimes I loose track of time and remain deep in the reserve until its dark.  It is easy to forget what time it is when there is a sky like this to look at and the noise of the starlings to listen to.

Sunset - Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_9798

Sunset – Loxtons Marsh, Ham Wall, Somerset, UK. ID 823_9798

Next Day

It starts all over again as the sun rises over the lagoon.  The starlings have already left the roost to spend the day on farmland and in gardens.

Dawn at Ham Wall - Somerset, UK. ID 808_4306

Dawn at Ham Wall – Somerset, UK. ID 808_4306

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