So throw those curtains wide, One day like this a year'd see me right

I was out of bed by 5am and on the road by 6 to catch the early sunrise in the Hampshire stillness.

Titchfield not only has an inspiring nature reserve to the southern end, the northern part has a wonderful old village well worth exploring and a great starting point for our walk today.

I met Chris in the small car park adjacent to the village and at the northerly tip of the Titchfield canal path. A route just a couple of miles long but packed with an abundance of wildlife nestled at the end of the Meon Valley that stretches half the length of Hampshire.

As we started out, the visibility was limited through the mist and the darkness. The sun was yet to rise above the horizon although the pre dawn glow gave us enough light for inspiration.   

This is the best time to be out and about. No people and nature seemingly at ease with that fact. Me too...

As the sun rose, the light changed the vista every minute. There is no other part of the day, except sunset that has this transforming affect in such a short space of time. You have this urge to capture every refreshing changing moment.

Orb web spiders were everywhere. Their silken traps laden with moisture became a focus for us as we plodded our way along the gravel path. We caught up with the latest news, always talking softly, subconsciously in respect to our surroundings at such an early hour.   

The path became a natural portal into something otherworldly. The early golden light creating some wonderful shadows, shades and colours.

As the sun rose further, the birds became more active. This is the best time. Still weather, golden sun, mist low lying and everything seemingly in tune.
Long tailed Tits performed their dance never ending through the canopy. 

Chiffchaffs heading south for the winter managed at least two seconds from their day to pose in the light.

And a Grey Heron lazily flapped it's way across the meadows.

I wanted the moment to freeze in time. The light and place was perfect. I knew as the sun rose, it would become too harsh and intrusive. How I feel when Spring fades into Summer. All subtleness absorbed.

Across the meadow the reliable Stonechats clacked their way atop of the fading grasses, occasionally dipping down to sweep up some unsuspecting insect. 

While in the Willows next to the canal, all sorts of Warblers and Tits gathered, feeding as they went.
This Chiffchaff managed a cursory glance in our direction...

As did this Roe Deer in the farm fields on the opposite side.

A buck was also keeping a low profile in the valley, it didn't escape us however...

As the earth warmed, the insects were next to appear. A Southern Hawker Dragonfly zipped along the canal and settled in the willows above us.

Woodpigeons are by far and away the most abundant avian species these days and easily ignored. These two were clearly juvenile and parent. The adult feeding crop milk to it's offspring.

We were nearing the end of the canal path not far from the sea. In the dense woodland Chris noticed this Hornets nest in a dead trunk. There were plenty of them busying around the opening, filling the cavity with pulp to help protect the nest. We stood nearby, never bothered by these amazing insects. The are very accommodating creatures. Not hostile at all. Never believe the scare stories of such insects. I find them fascinating.

In a cavity just across the canal, a Great Spotted Woodpecker was seemingly inspecting a nest site. Surely just for roosting in, as the breeding season was long gone?

We were at a turning point. We had choices ahead of us. Consulting the web, we had a chance to view a very rare visitor in the vicinity some seven miles distant. We decided on this course of action. Not one to follow a crowd and 'twitch' a bird, we flew in the face of this gnawing habit and headed East.

I couldn't be too long as I had a lunch date with my wife and my Mother in Law, Doreen. It was a pre birthday meal so I'd better not be late...
Our last views down the canal path was of a beautiful Kestrel sat high in the trees. Then on to Portsdown Hill, high above Portsmouth. 

Having reached Portsdown, our first point of contact was another raptor as it glided through. A Sparrowhawk this time as we stood in a farmers field along with some fifty other birders staring at a Hawthorn bush in the desperate hope of clasping eyes on a rare Ortolan Bunting. What were we doing I thought as I glanced around at the throng and met Chris's eyes?

After a little bit of coercion, the said bird put in an appearance. 

It looked quite amazed at the throng put before it with all sorts of lens pointed in it's direction.

The Bunting was considered a delicacy in France and consumption was so fierce that a ban on hunting them was enforced in 1999 to protect it after a crash in it's numbers.

Other warblers accompanied it in the bushes. Mainly Whitethroats..

Happy with our 'Twitch' - oh how I hate that word - we set off home.
It was still only 11am so I texted my wife Sarah to say I wouldn't meet her at the pub for my birthday meal as arranged but at home as I was finished early. I received a curt response to tell me to stay on my walk. Something was afoot I thought? I had the incling that it might not be just her and her mother meeting me for lunch. Maybe a couple of others too?

Oh well I thought, I may just carry on and enjoy the rest of my walk as I looked up at a Wheatear on the wires above me and a soaring Buzzard riding the thermals. 

As we were eating at a fab pub in Titchfield called the Wheatsheaf, I ventured back to the car park I had met Chris in some six hours previously.

It was a nice calming time for an hour before lunch, at 1pm, on my own walking the path again. The sun was now so high in the sky but still invigorating.
Speckled Wood flitted before me...

Comfrey still flowered along the canal path. One of my favourite flowers,

I doubled back and headed towards the pub. Passing the informative sign as I went. I didn't want to be late for a lovely meal. Always great food there.

As I passed through the last few hundred yards through the churchyard, the bell struck 1pm. Bang on time I thought. Just then I received a text from Sarah asking my whereabouts?  I'm here as arranged I replied, get the beers in !

As I sauntered through the front door, Sarah greeted me with a smile, clasped my hand and led me into the restaurant, barely giving me a chance to choose a real ale on the bar. I was greeted with a roar of Happy Birthday as I entered the room !!. You bastards!! I exclaimed, as friends and family surprised me on my 50th birthday party. I'll get you back for that one day Sarah... xx

Needless to say, I had the most wonderful day. One I will never forget. Especially seeing so many wonderful friends and family who took the time to celebrate with me.  The morning wasn't too shabby either.
Thank you to everyone who came and to everyone who helped organise it. You know who you are. And to Sarah who I dedicate this post to. xxxxx You are truly a star xx

The title of this post is a line taken from the track 'One day like this' by Elbow