A WALK, A WAR MEMORIAL, AND SOME BEAUTIFUL BIRDS

 

Yesterday we went on a long walk, not as easy as you'd think, considering I live in near-central London. Most of it was spent by busy main roads; but there was one part that I loved.

We stopped off at Burgess park. The sun was shining and as we walked down an avenue of trees we took off our hats and gloves. It was the first properly sunny day we had had for weeks, and we relished the warmth that was now almost alien to us.

We moved off the main path to look for some Alms Houses; but stumbled across something different: a memorial for a zeppelin bomb that hit the park when it used to be houses and killed many of its inhabitants. The memorial itself was small houses; the size and colour representing the age and proximity to the bomb. Looking at a small house meant to be a young child, I felt filled with sadness; but also joy that their life had been represented in such a beautiful way.

We wandered back and towards the lake. Its clear surface was broken by ripples which expanded and contracted as if the lake was breathing. The treetops and bright sunlight was reflected onto the crystal surface, created a distorted mirage. As we got closer, I spotted a flock of Canada geese, as well as two swans swimming elegantly and arching their elongated necks. I was also excited to see many Greylag geese; because I have never seen these in my local parks.

We stood on the bridge, drinking in the beauty of the idyllic scene. Mallards, coots, moorhens; all were watched eagerly. Then a shout pierced the silence. 'A cormorant! Three of them! Look!' My sister was loud in her excitement and one of the birds took off and glided over our heads, completing a full circuit of the lake before landing once more.

I hope you enjoyed reading this and have had similar experiences yourself. Bye!