A perfect autumn morning, with just a breath of wind wandering among the dry grass on the downs.
Signs of the turning year all around, with the hedgerows laden with bright red Bryony berries, crimson Hawthorn berries, midnight blue Sloes, with Blackberries almost finished. At the foot of the hedges, bright orange Stinking Iris seeds are bursting out of their pods.
In Centenary meadow, our Herefords are munching contentedly away on the ‘aftermaths’ of the cut field. Fascinating to watch the social dynamics of the herd, as the compete, tussle, or politely step aside to let others take their turn!
Around the Cows, 7 Pied Wagtails skitter across the grass, perch on cowpats, or chase each other across the field, while overhead, 20+ Skylarks circle, flutter or occasionally land, hurling fragments of their sweet song into the still air. Lots of Meadow Pipits also on the wing above the meadows and downs.
In the hedges around the field, charms of gold and crimson Goldfinches work their way along the scrub, occasionally diving out en-masse to a tempting patch of Teasel or Woolly Thistle, with a single Redstart bursting out from the heart of the hedge as I approach.
Also seen in the scrub and hedges this morning, lots of Chiffchaffs, along with Blackcaps, Blue and Great Tits, Robins and Wrens.
A Buzzard wheels steadily high above the Saxon Field, with Kestrel, Peregrine and Raven also out hunting this morning.
A Red Admiral sunbathes on a grassy path in the meadows, with a Speckled Wood enjoying the sunshine near ‘Rest and Admire’, with swarms of harmless Winter Gnats seen in sheltered spots.
The morning’s most unusual sighting, while chatting to the Bird Ringers in the Wildlife Area, with a pair of Barnacle Geese passing overhead – definitely not a common sight here (especially inland!).
As I returned to the Centre, the explosive ‘chuckle’ of a Green Woodpecker makes me jump, as he bobs across the Car Parks.