Things I saw in the woods today, part 46

When the elderberries ripen we know that summer is well and truly over. The elderflowers are one of the first flowers to appear in the early spring just as we emerge from dreary, dark, cold winter and as the flowers turn to fruit in late summer, we begin reaching for woollen socks. Folklore has it that one should never fall asleep under an elder tree as the vapours from the strong-smelling flowers are soporific and can cause one to see fairies. Elderberries make an excellent wine and liqueur.

The woods are still very green; we forget how one season changes to the next and the sparkling lime green summer leaves will be replaced by sombre browns. All the sounds of summer such as the birdsong at dusk, the humming bees, and the whirring wings of the horseflies, will soon be things of the past. So too will be the endless wasp-dodging and fly swatting and yelps of 'ouch!' which resonate throughout the woods as the flesh is feasted upon. Autumn will bring endless rain and then winter a quiet lull when life as we know it becomes a thing of slow motion and sleep.

And finally, a hapless pigeon met its end and the satiated fox tried his hand at modern art with the ripped feathers and four maple leaves.

Photos copyright SvD.