Autumn is well under way and gloriously multi - tinted this year. Falling leaves play catch - me -if - you - can in the freshening breeze.

With childish glee I plough through and scatter them along the pavement in all directions enjoying the myriad hues of russet , gold, faded green and brown.

Garden spiders are busy on dew-spangled webs. Many people have placed conkers under beds and sofas to deter house spiders as they come in seeking shelter for the winter. Old wives tale? Maybe, maybe not!

As dusk approaches, jackdaws fly low, fast and direct in flocks numbering hundreds or in ones and twos chanting chak-chak contact calls that echo around rooftops as they head south-east to roost.

In the opposite direction, gulls drift lazily making for west London reservoirs.

Redwings and fieldfares are here from Scandinavia and will be busy on the bumper berry crops.

Goldfinches have enjoyed a record year and flocks of thirty plus are resident. Suddenly, a dozen or so fly down to the feeders which can only accommodate eight at a time so the unlucky ones sit on the fence mildly bickering as they wait their turn.

Sometimes the local fox, a magnificent young animal in prime condition enters the garden and sitting under a bench, watches the birds intently before rushing out and scattering the flock that he cant reach as the feeders are too high.

A few late wasps fuss around ivy flowers and if sunny, bees venture out of hibernation to top up energy levels.

It may be mild now but it will be interesting to see when the first frost turns everything frothy white.

I always feel that winter begins to bite in the second week of November. So, we will see.