I heard them before I saw them—you nearly always do. High above me, echelons of honking geese, written like calligraphy, passed across the mouldy sky: the hounds of heaven were on the move.
Geese fly with a sense of purpose—they’re always clearly going somewhere to feed, roost or migrate. There’s tension among them as they jostle for position within the V formations and various birds take the lead as the wind shifts. More than 250,000 pink-footed geese arrive in Britain each autumn and add a touch of wildness to our winters. To see and hear them is to feel alive, although farmers curse them for the damage that they do to crops, particularly sugar beet.
It was the greylag goose, another winter visitor, that, once domesticated, went on to change our history, in both times of war and peace. They were reared for meat and their feathers were used as fletching for the arrows fired at Agincourt as well as making the quill used to sign Magna Carta. That’s the truth behind the old proverb: ‘A goose quill is more dangerous than a lion’s claw.’
Country mouse reflects on his favourite hats
Country mouse reflects on his favourite hats, from heirloom top hats to sporting flat caps.
Country mouse goes shooting in Hampshire
Country mouse goes shooting in Hampshire and considers the beauty of the autumn landscape.
Country mouse attends the opening meet
Country mouse is impressed with his son's hedge jumping.
Country mouse craves double summertime
The clocks have gone back and country mouse is struggling with SAD.
-
The life that thrives among the dead: How wildlife finds a home in the graveyards and churchyards of BritainHome to a veritable ‘Noah’s Ark of species’, thanks to never being ploughed, sprayed or fertilised, our churchyards offer a sacred haven for flora and fauna, says Laura Parker.
-
‘What a shame when a dinosaur disappears into the mansion of an oligarch rather than being displayed for all to enjoy’: The ethics of the dinosaur auctionFancy a stegosaurus in your living room? You can buy one at auction. But the latest luxury good is a paleontologist's worst nightmare.
