A blustery and damp start to the day with a walk in the woods for added shelter being the attractive choice. Not much seemed to stir apart from a windswept Great Tit, and a Robin scuttling around in amongst a dead hedge. Rain pattered down and the sea churned, gusts of wind caught my hood and trees rocked back and forth (a little more gently today than of late).
From deep in the scrub a Wren’s loud, piercing call stammered out. Signs of spring approaching abound. Hazel buds bloated and ripe, ready to burst, Elder buds purple and plump biding their time, and the Hydrangeas already sprouting their leaves. Winter Heliotrope spread like a carpet across the floor adding a welcome burst of green.
Crossing into the meadows all is green. The vibrancy of the near future still a just a hope. Magpies chatter and squawk as I come close and dash away with a flurry of wings. A Weasel dashes across a gate opening in front of me, so tiny and slender, in a flash of chestnut brown. My first sighting of one since I’ve been here and a real highlight.
Golden Ear fungus stands out, bright yellow/orange against dull brown log, wobbling like jelly in the wind.
Checking around the Large Copse signs of Badgers scratching around in the fresh woodchip path. Bright orange berries of Stinking Iris full and gleaming after the rain shower. Blackbirds scatter and a Jay, with that amazing plumage, shriek in the wildlife garden as I pass by.