So our brief summer has been and gone (yes, sorry guys, that was it) and it's edging ever closer to that dreaded page in your diary that says 'British Summer Time Ends'. Great! But it's not all doom and gloom...
Autumn is without a doubt my favourite time of year. Along with the change of season there are so many things to look forward to like the harvest festival, Halloween, bonfire night and of course the run up to Christmas (I know, I know, but it's getting closer as we speak!)
And everything looks a bit more glamorous and mature this time of year whether it be the colours of this season's fashion, or the array of rusty reds, golden browns or bright yellows of the autumn leaves as they float to the ground. As we pile on more clothes with our snuggly jumpers and comfy boots, the trees will be losing theirs and will soon be stripped bare.
It always feels cosier this time of year. It's nice to settle down, relax and put your feet up as the nights draw in. The natural world, however, will not be relaxing this season. At first glance, it looks a bit dull outside the kitchen window, but if you look closer you will see a whole display of activity from the minibeasts in your garden to the birds in the sky.
Nature is making its preparations for the cold winter ahead. Small mammals such as squirrels and hedgehogs hibernate over the winter so they'll be spending the next few months feasting on all the food they can find. This is to fatten themselves up and keep warm in the chilly weather. Wow, don't you wish it was that simple?
Look up to the sky and you're likely to see that familiar v-shape floating through the clouds. As wildfowl, gulls and waders such as golden plovers and lapwings will join us for the winter, birds like wheatears, redstarts, hobbies, swallows and ospreys will be flying south in search of warmer climates.
If the food supply is good for garden birds in the autumn they may not visit your garden as they prefer natural food but keep your feeders fresh and stocked up so they know it's there when they return. Make sure your garden full of seeds, nuts a berries and you could spot a jay scouting around for food.
If you haven't already, sign-up free to Homes for Wildlife which will give you information and advice on how to make your home and garden into a mini nature reserve and become a wonderful place for wildlife. It will also give you some great tips for autumn.
With the nights drawing in the sunsets are fantastic to see, especially going on your favourite walk with your favourite people. Our nature reserves have some brilliant trails and many of them stay open until dusk so why not take a walk with the family and see if you can spot this seasons natural trends?
So, I would like to wish you all a very merry autumn, wrap up warm, get out onto our nature reserves and see the best places to enjoy nature.
Sign the RSPB's Letter to the Future to ensure a healthy environment for our future generations.
Joanne, what is it with all you RSPB officers, you all write so beautifully. Dave Sexton has written some lovely stuff from Mull and now you have brought autumn to life. I love the dark nights and we have stunning sunsets on the Solway, along with waders, geese, seals and porpoises. I do miss my wee birds though, they have all deserted my feeders and I can't wait for them all to come back. Hope everyone enjoys this colourful season as much as I do.