Today’s patrol took me out across the downland, where the south-westerly wind was blowing strongly as I walked along the ridge, while the sun was lighting up the wares, a great morning for a stroll.
A few bushes of Gorse are sporting their bright yellow flowers, there are always a splash of these providing brightness throughout the winter. While on the ground a few Daisies have crept through.
A Raven was in flight, hanging against the wind, then flopping to the ground, where it looked huge (especially compared with the Jackdaw standing nearby), but the bill really does look chunky on close up! As it took off the long wings showed off the feathered ends.
From a Hawthorn came a musical song, lots of trills and notes, it took me ages to spot this Blackbird amongst the twigs and berries, it always seems ridiculous how difficult bird can be to see even when there are no leaves to get in the way!
On the far west boundary a couple of Redwings were using the Blackthorn as a barrier to the wind, allowing me to admire their markings, including the dark red patch under the wing.
Out to the far meadows to check on the herd of Hereford Cattle, who were mostly grazing on the variety of grasses while a couple munched on the hedgerow plants.
A Meadow Pipit took to the air, a burst of a call as it went, before it landed again amongst the rougher longer grasses.
A Magpie cackled from the Elder tree, as I looked towards it I noted a patch of wall that has decided to fall over, fortunately the Elder is still blocking the space.
After the large amount of rain we have had over the last week or two, the fields are now very wet and muddy, and consequently slippery, so take care, or why not enjoy the woodland or clifftops where the paths are much drier.