The London sun is fading as I grow old... and just like Justin Hayward sang in Jeff Wayne's War of the Worlds, the birds are flying south across the Autumn sky.
I know it's Autumn, 'cause I'm already sweeping up leaves that have fallen from the trees. the blackberries have been and gone. The skies above my east London house have fallen silent with the departure of the swifts. And, I'm tryting to find my bike lights, ready for my commute to central London in the shortening days ahead.
This time of year brings great opportunities for seeing some different wildlife as summer visitors go, replaced by winter migrants. Working with Urban Birder, David Lindo, we'd already supported his initiative to create the UK's highest migrant bird viewing platform on Tower 42 in The City. Now there's a new project planned to extend our knowledge of migrating urban birds - based around the iconic Canary Wharf Tower.
All that steel, glass and concrete has been controversial, but I've always loved the juxtaposition between it and its neighbour - Mudchute City Farm. This combined with the sight of anglers fishing in the old docks, the occassional shadow on the ground of local peregrines sweeping overhead and the wide range of water and garden birds evident around the site always surprises.
David's hoping to record some pretty unusual migrants on site, attracted down by the well-lit open spaces overnight. Many stop off for a rest before continuing their annual pilgrimages to breeding or feeding grounds. I can't wait to hear what David will discover.
You have been busy recording sightings for our Make Your Nature Count survey heldd earlier this year. Full details will be published in the week but I can reveal the survey proves what I've often written on the blog - you're more likely to see wildlife in an urban setting than you will in a rural garden!
Coming up in October, we've Feed the Birds Day. We'll be suggesting ways you can do more to support wildlife, in whatever outdoor space you have. Why do this? Cause it's a real tonic to look out your window and see some wild critter going about its business, unencumbered by everyday human hassles.
There's no charge for enjoying the colour, sound and movement of nature. There's no transaction and no expectations. You simply sit, stare and relax. It's free therapy and once you've achieved a state of Nirvana, you start to get drawn-in to find out more.
Look out for the Make Your Nature Count results and do seek Nirvana by taking part in Feed The Birds Day. Try it, enjoy it and them sign our Letter to the Future to make sure it's all there for you and everyone else to enjoy next autumn, next winter, next spring and summer, and autumn, winter........ None of us will then need to shed a lonely tear, cause Autumn's not here.