A late night . . . a late morning . . . a wander from my front door searching for the Wild away from the moss.

House sparrow seemed to line the way, as I ambled over to the old river, first checking that lovely rough and tumble of habitat. Hiding there were four teal and a host of smaller birds, finding food and shelter in the fallen willow trees and mini streams that connect the two open sections of the old river oxbow.

Then, heading east, I noted black-headed gull, cormorant, moorhen and coot, a few members of the Wild that live so close to our homes.

Townsgate Marsh and the capped tip, hosted a small flock of redwing within the silver birches, whilst the rather sad-looking pond held, but briefly, a kingfisher. It swept out of view as soon as I lifted my camera.

Ship Canal, now here is the tricky bit, for the banks are quite difficult for access as the Wild has grabbed this once-clear track. But careful viewing added to this day’s Wild, goldeneye, gadwall, little grebe and other such members of wildfowl that winter in our area.

Cars rushed by along the by-pass, oblivious to this tamed/not tamed wildlife area which filled day four with the Wild. It’s almost everywhere, if we but pause to look.