Autumn breezed in right on cue, bringing gusty winds, rain and chilly nights with a very noticeable and sudden decrease in daylight hours – a phenomenon which occurs at this time of year.

Naturally, we are reluctant to bid farewell to what was a wonderfully warm summer but autumn has much to offer, both visually and audibly.

For example, there are the glorious hues and tones of falling leaves and berry-laden trees, although this year those colours may be less vivid because of the prolonged drought as many trees shed their leaves early in order to conserve water and energy.

Then there are "sticky buds" of horse chestnut trees, reminding me of my school days when we had vases of them on our "nature table". I wonder if schools still have nature tables? I certainly hope they do.

Birds are showing off beautiful, fresh winter plumage and some species such as mallard are already paired up. Robins are singing their territorial songs and this is the only species where both male and female sing, while tawny owls hoot as they seek new territories.

Then we have the impressive spectacle and far-reaching sounds of red and fallow deer (pictured) rounding up their harems in the royal parks while in the dead of night, foxes are barking and yelping as their mating season begins.

There have been very late broods of small and green-veined white butterflies flying right into the first week of October, which is most unusual.