Picnic by the Lake

Today we visited a wildlife reserve and decided to take a picnic with us. It was a beautiful warm autumn day, with no mosquitoes - perfect!
When we arrived, we saw two birds of prey and listened to the wildlife experts talk about the barn owl and red-tailed kite. They were magnificent (the birds, not the experts!) They passed around the wing of an owl for us to touch and admire.... no thanks! It was around this time, I realised my batteries were flat in my good camera - scowl.
The handler suggested I stand for a picture next to this rather hungry-looking raptor and I tried to keep a respectful distance hoping I would come away with both ears as I smiled sweetly. Looking at the photo afterwards, I could see the hunger in that thing's eyes and feel lucky I was not his afternoon snack.
Then we walked in to the interpretive centre where a huge array of stuffed animals greeted us. I am very squeamish with dead things and didn't want to stroke the poor stuffed black bear. I have too much respect for those wonderful animals.
Anyway, we decided to eat our picnic first, then take a trail walk around the lake and admire the autumn colours.



We sat very close to the road on a picnic table (away from the goose poop) and tucked in to our food. I have to say it, was scrumptious, filled rolls, filled croissants, potato chips followed by little cupcakes. I proposed a toast to Thanksgiving and we tucked in.
Our picnics have attracted attention before when we've spread the rug in a city park whilst watching cricket and produced an array of home-made quiche, filled rolls, salad, boiled eggs etc. One couple even asked if they could join us! We have a large wicker hamper, a tartan rug and china plates, wooden handled cutlery and real glasses. I think it must be an English thing.





We packed all the remains away and trekked around the lake. We walked over rocks, up hills and down steps all to the sound of honking geese and my daughter snapping away with her iPod.
It was nice to feel part of nature even though my neighbours were constantly texted me.
When we came home, my husband dutifully disposed of two poor little finches that had been killed by our windows - again. Tomorrow I am printing off silhouettes of a black hawk and sticking it to the window to see if that works. I'll let you know.
Meanwhile, we are all exhausted. We have had ample exercise, sufficient food and pleasant company all day long, what else could we ask for?