I had explored a ruined church hidden in a coppice, surprised a weasel and a flock of lapwings, crossed numberless rustic bridges over rivers and streams, strolled down ancient sunken tracks, and visited a hill fort already deserted and silent when Boudica had swept past it.
Other incoming migrants included wave after wave of lapwings passing to the west and a few small, closely packed flocks of starlings.
A bunch of lapwings arrive.
Find out why it's a "deceit" of lapwings.
About 30 breeding pairs of lapwings moved in a few years ago and started raising young, with considerable success.
You don't have to be a bird-watcher to miss the calling of the cuckoo, the circling of lapwings over fields, the singing of corn buntings from utility poles.
A blanket of lapwings ripples over the horizon … " Five lines later, he is talking about the pervasive presence of rats: "Sometimes we roast them, but their flesh is vile, muddy and gooey.
There is then the momentary sad music of lapwings and curlews that are so abundant here – and reminding me of Derbyshire 40 years ago – this is the richest landscape for breeding waders in all England.
There are jackdaws in the graveyard and, not too far away because I saw them yesterday, a deceit of lapwings a 100 strong, flouncing with an energy that looked like joy.
