A “hamlet” is, by definition, a very small human settlement. In British geography, a hamlet is smaller than a village and does not have a church or other place of worship.

Altona, located in north Pickering, is surrounded by countryside/

There is a historic Mennonite Church here which dates from 1852

Though there are many hiking trails near here, they are still inaccessible.

My tactic is to drive on gravel roads and look for old roads or paths that go into the woods or fields. On this day, I also found a large pond with some interesting wildlife.

I also heard the first Ring-necked Pheasant that I have heard in years. Near fields, I heard Savannah Sparrow, Field Sparrow and Vesper Sparrow but was only able to photograph Song Sparrows:

Other Birds:

There are more cyclists on these roads than automobiles.

Some botany:

NATURE POETRY

The Sun, midway upon his tireless march,
Eyes languidly the green earth’s sleepy face.    – James Benjamin Kenyon (1858–1924)

Miles Hearn