The countryside in… october

Karen Youngs revels in the changing landscape and encounters a handsome game bird on a morning walk

Autumn is a wonderful time of year. Birds are on the move in their masses. It is exciting. And just about anything can turn up. Here are five birds which may look to be dressed in the dulled browns of autumn, but are all special, even thrilling to watch.

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO, IDEAS TO TRY

Fungi and insects make for an exciting season, says James Lowen

Return migration is here in earnest – David Callahan explains what to look for in autumn…

FOR JOHN KEATS, AUTUMN WAS THE SEASON OF MISTS AND MELLOW FRUITFULNESS. HERE, THE COUNTRY LIVING TEAM AND FRIENDS HIGHLIGHT WHAT THIS TIME OF YEAR MEANS TO THEM – FROM CRAFTING WREATHS TO BOTTLING SLOE GIN