Burning desire

by martin on Jul.29, 2011, under Northumberland, Otter, Wildlife

Tuesday, and I’m sitting with Matt and Becky, waiting in anticipation as dusk approaches. An orange/yellow glow rimming the horizon and the pallid, diffuse nature of the clouds covering the rest of the sky enhancing the impression that a thousand fires were burning in the distance. Through the flames, dark ashes danced across our field of view; Tufted Ducks, Mallards and Coots skittering across the water. Against the smoke, more dark soot tossed on the strong northerly breeze, this time Noctule Bats and Pipistrelles.

Then a burst of excitement as a whirling dervish appears, chasing ducks and geese; the Otter porpoising with serious intent, hitting the water with a splash like the crackle of a burning log. Then the flames die and we’re left with the last few pops of the dying embers.