That precious start-of-the-day time.

Most mornings I surface between 6 and 7 am and like to take the dogs out for an early walk. I cut across the green and into the forest, following a short route which takes me back round past the cricket pitch, which at this time of the year has some protective poles round the wicket area.

Every day is different and the colour in the trees that fringe the common is always changing. Each tree is a different type and it is the shape on the horizon that I like to watch, picked out in silhouette form as the sun comes up from behind.

As I walk round at this quiet time my mind seems to have a clarity which enables me to focus on what I should be doing during the day.

Occasionally there will be a squirrel or bird high in the tress.


But for the last five years I have normally seen a buzzard, England’s largest bird. The colour of this bird make it hard to pick out against the background but it seems that his habit at this time of the day is to fly from post to post round the cricket pitch, and when I finally come near he will fly off into the trees.

Perhaps illogically but I have been somewhat concerned that this bird should always be on its own.  Recently, though, I have heard it calling, a noise I never heard before.  So you can imagine how pleased I was yesterday actually to see two birds. My buzzard has finally found a mate.

Then for me it is back home, shower, make a tray of tea for the family who are now with Mum in bed for ten minutes before they too get dressed and get ready for school.

What are we? Lucky people!

By Bob Derham