A Walk Of Two Halves

House Sparrow on Telegraph Track

Walking with Carole to her place of work : Two paths of peace separated by the endless thunder of a main road.

Within two minutes of leaving the house a great spotted woodpecker takes flight right in front of us, while a green woodpecker laughs - a sound so loud it could be sitting on my shoulder. 

Soon we leave the calm behind and we’re on the busy road . Birdsong is replaced by revving engines, groaning axles, and exhaust fumes. Everything is different. You can see hear smell and (unfortunately) taste it . Everyone’s in a hurry, no one’s going anywhere. 

Except us.

A gentle incline and we pick up the pace. As we leave the main road behind, rosy cheeked from our efforts,  somehow the skylark’s voice rises up from neighbouring fields across the road, and works its way through the traffic, easing us on our way. 

It’s quiet again, and pretty soon Carole and I part company. Returning to the racket. Nothing’s moving.

Except me.

Gridlock caused by roadworks and temporary lights which refuse to change colour. Beep your horn all you like mate - you’re not going anywhere, for a while at least.

With the noise behind me again, approaching the farm tracks I hear the greenfinch let go its familiar spring sigh. Goldfinches bob overhead, sparrows chat, and as the longtailed tit accompanies me down the lane I hear the woodpecker again.

Still laughing.