Summary

A photographer captures the transition from a cold, sunny fall afternoon to the onset of night, observing nature's subtle shifts and the beauty of a sunset in the Bavarian countryside.

Abstract

The narrative describes a photographer's journey through the fields and forests on a brisk fall day, just before sunset. The day had seen a mix of rain and hail, but cleared up in time for the photographer to witness the sun's last rays. The landscape is vividly depicted, with attention to the wet grass, sparkling raindrops, and the wildlife preparing for the approaching cold. The photographer, bundled in winter attire, captures the essence of the season through the changing colors of the sky, the behavior of birds, and the stillness of the wind turbines. The article culminates in the sun's disappearance behind the horizon, a daily event that marks the end of the day in one part of the world and the beginning in another. This photo essay is the author's first contribution to "Simply Wild," a publication dedicated to wildlife and wilderness stories.

Opinions

The author appreciates the stark contrast in weather from a warm Friday to the near-freezing temperatures experienced during the walk.
There is a sense of wonder and respect for the resilience of nature, as seen in the wildlife adapting to the cold and the plants preparing for the overnight frost.
The photographer seems to find solace and inspiration in the solitude of the landscape, focusing on the intricate details like water droplets on leaves and the rustling of leaves in the wind.
The author values the beauty of the natural world, as evidenced by the detailed descriptions of the sunset and the emphasis on the serene ambiance of the countryside.
There is an appreciation for the cyclical nature of life, with the setting sun symbolizing the end of a day and the beginning of a new one elsewhere, reflecting the interconnectedness of the world.

NATURE. PHOTOGRAPHY.

A Cold But Sunny Afternoon in Fall

Walking toward the setting sun

I bundled up in layers of clothes, put my winter jacket on and didn’t leave my beanie or gloves behind. Yes, it got cold. Quickly. While we were still sunbathing on Friday with temperatures close to 30 °C, we’re expecting to go below zero tonight.

It had been raining and hailing all day but about an hour before sunset, the clouds mostly disappeared blown away by the strong upper winds.

The air was brisk when I stepped outside. I didn’t hear any birds chirping or see any animals. They must be hiding already from the cold.

**The sky captured earlier in the day.** | Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

Following the edge of the fields, I hug the forest and keep the woods to my right.

The grass beneath my feet is still wet. Single raindrops are sparkling in the last light of the day and I wonder if they will become tiny ice balls overnight.

**Drops of water on a fallen leaf. |** Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

I can hear a rustling in the trees and some wings flapping. Big heavy wings are lifting a bird above the forest. I assume it’s a hunter. We have many birds of prey in the area who feed off the mice in the fields.

Looking to my left I see the sun disappearing behind a cloud above the horizon. She will come again. In a few minutes. But for now, it got dark.

**The old Linden tree standing tall in front of a bank of clouds. |** Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

Crows are chattering in the trees behind me and I see a few birds picking for seeds in the harvested seeds. While life seemed to have been sleeping on the Western side of the forest, this side facing the setting sun is certainly more alive.

Songbirds are chirping in the trees at the edge of the forest and I identify some blue tits and yellowhammer.

I slow down my steps as the sun reappears from behind the cloud. Only minutes are missing until she’s gone. The horizon is close and the first wind turbines are touching the glowing ball.

A light breeze just picked up.

I look at the foliage tree behind me and see first one, then three and slowly but surely more and more leaves moving with the wind. A silent rustling is sounding across.

The sky above my head is clear but some condensation trails are stretching across the light blue. From the East, some clouds are nearing but they seem to be scattered.

**The sun reappearing beneath the clouds. |** Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

I remember the last sunset I watched at the same spot. It must have been almost a month ago. While the sun did set behind the church in the small village, she is now much further South and will sink into the open fields in the countryside.

The wind turbines are turning at a decent speed showcasing the stronger wind blowing high above my head. But down here, it is fairly still.

**Wind turbines are part of the landscape here in the Bavarian countryside. |** Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

My nose is cold and my chin is telling me I forgot to wrap a scarf around my neck but I remain still. I’m happy I layered up in so many clothes alas my body remains warm.

I put down my camera to soak in the magic and witness the moment the sun disappears entirely.

For the day.

Every time the sun sets behind the horizon, she rises somewhere else greeting a new day.

**When the sun disappeared behind the horizon. |** Photo credit: Anne Bonfert

This is my first story written for Simply Wild, Warren Thurlow‘s new wildlife and wilderness publication.

Simply Wild

Wildlife and wilderness stories.

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