Nature Walks with My Pixel: September’s Unexpected Burst of Colour
September arrived, and instead of the woods turning fully autumnal, nature has decided to keep its vibrant energy going. What began as simple dog walks in January for fresh air has now become full nature photography sessions. Armed only with my Google Pixel and an inquisitive dog, I’ve been amazed by the surprising brightness of this September.
You might expect the trees to be covered in typical autumn shades by now. However, most leaves remain green, with only hints of gold teasing us. Meanwhile, red clover and common ragwort continue blooming, almost as if summer refuses to end. They seem determined to remind us that the season is not over yet.
The brambles are particularly fascinating. In September, they seem confused by the season. One branch holds delicate white flowers like it is still July, while another has ripe blackberries ready to pick, if my dog doesn’t get there first. There is even a dried fruit head hanging on as if preparing for Halloween. It feels like the entire life cycle of the bramble is visible on a single bush.
Other familiar plants still appear everywhere. Cow parsley seed heads resemble natural sculptures. Ribwort plantain stands out confidently. I even spotted my first toadstool of the year, a common earthball hidden in the grass. It looked like something straight out of a fairytale or a perfect moody autumn photo.
As for the weather, it has been wetter than I expected. Instead of crisp, dry days, mud dominates the landscape. My dogs love it, turning every walk into a mud spa, while I try to avoid slipping while photographing. Mud is everywhere, on boots, clothes, and likely places I will discover later.
Despite the muddy challenges, September has been full of surprises. The stubborn blooms, playful brambles, and emerging autumn colours have made this a month worth capturing. I hope October brings drier days and classic autumn magic. Until then, I will be out there, dodging mud and capturing the beauty nature offers.
