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Partridge delight Partridge delight
(about 5 hours later)
Summer's wheat fields had become dead meadows of dry sticks, the stubble stalks still standing tall. Not that it seemed to bother the partridges. Three close by, and numerous others beyond, were pecking up grain from harvest passed. These were the lowlanders' grouse, their silly heads peering out, just as their cousins would periscope up from moorland heather. Every one was a red-legged partridge, so-called French partridges, badged by their black-and-white faces, topped with grey caps. Summer's wheat fields had become dead meadows of dry sticks, the stubble stalks still standing tall. Not that it seemed to bother the partridges. Three close by, and numerous others beyond, were pecking up grain left from the harvest. These were the lowlanders' grouse, their silly heads peering out, just as their cousins would periscope up from moorland heather. Every one was a red-legged partridge, so-called French partridges, badged by their black-and-white faces, topped with grey caps.
England was on the other side of the track. A hedge ran at a right angle and on one side was a game cover strip, a band of luxuriant exotic plants, laden with seeds. On the other, a rarer bird sat by the hedge bottom, a grey "English" partridge. Another popped out of cover and, in no time, the ground was full of plump partridges. These birds are like sheep: one mind leads them all. The first started to run with quick steps, as if the field were scalding, and the others tailed at a trot. When it lifted off, the others did too, a tight covey of fanned wings and tails, flighting over the stubble with exhilarating speed. At this explosion of partridge, I felt the pulse that a shooter must feel, though my aim was with binoculars, scanning the moving targets, counting each bird. I reached 39 when the whole covey dropped, folding away into nothingness.England was on the other side of the track. A hedge ran at a right angle and on one side was a game cover strip, a band of luxuriant exotic plants, laden with seeds. On the other, a rarer bird sat by the hedge bottom, a grey "English" partridge. Another popped out of cover and, in no time, the ground was full of plump partridges. These birds are like sheep: one mind leads them all. The first started to run with quick steps, as if the field were scalding, and the others tailed at a trot. When it lifted off, the others did too, a tight covey of fanned wings and tails, flighting over the stubble with exhilarating speed. At this explosion of partridge, I felt the pulse that a shooter must feel, though my aim was with binoculars, scanning the moving targets, counting each bird. I reached 39 when the whole covey dropped, folding away into nothingness.
That pre-dusk movement triggered others. Another covey rose from the opposite end of the field, slanting diagonally across. I counted 26. There were more greys on the path ahead. Forty or more flew to the farthest, closer-shaved field and there they milled around a hare, which lifted a little on its haunches, then rocked back again.That pre-dusk movement triggered others. Another covey rose from the opposite end of the field, slanting diagonally across. I counted 26. There were more greys on the path ahead. Forty or more flew to the farthest, closer-shaved field and there they milled around a hare, which lifted a little on its haunches, then rocked back again.
Never had I seen such numbers of grey partridges and all this on a farm that has been filled this year with banks of bee orchids and breeding corn buntings, lapwings, yellowhammers and barn owls. Maudlin Farm defies its name and offers an inspiring picture of what can be done by a good farmer, growing wildlife.Never had I seen such numbers of grey partridges and all this on a farm that has been filled this year with banks of bee orchids and breeding corn buntings, lapwings, yellowhammers and barn owls. Maudlin Farm defies its name and offers an inspiring picture of what can be done by a good farmer, growing wildlife.
Twitter: @DerekNiemannTwitter: @DerekNiemann
The 2014 William Condry Memorial Lecture will be held at The Tabernacle, MoMA, Machynlleth, at 7pm on Saturday 4 OctoberThe 2014 William Condry Memorial Lecture will be held at The Tabernacle, MoMA, Machynlleth, at 7pm on Saturday 4 October