september birds and a BIG STAG

At this time of the year I tend to explore the plains and nearby fields and hedgerows, partly to avoid the hunters in the woodland but mainly because the migrating birds prefer the open countryside. Two trips around the La Tache area produced 33 species the most interesting of which were several whitethroats, a singing woodlark, a meadow pipit and a female hen harrier.
Swallows were swarming in their hundreds and were often very noisy. Robins are now plentiful and their autumn song could be heard from virtually every piece of cover. Blackbirds also seem to be in every berried bush making what I always think of as their distinctive autumn chuckling.
The most amazing sight though was of the biggest stag that I have seen this side of the Scottish Highlands. He was making his stately progress across the plains at about 8am, his dignified appearance enhanced by a large circlet of brambles which must have become attached to him as he was in the forest. I did manage to photograph him but the misty, drizzly conditions were too much for my small camera to focus sharply. Just after he crossed the Artenac road a car came by and understandably drew to a halt. The stag surprisingly did not bolt but stood his ground and stared back at the vehicle from just a short distance away. I hope they had a camera.