A sunny day with dew upon the ground and wispy clouds high in the sky. Amongst the patches of blue, parallel vapour trails marked the sky like a cat’s claw scratch. I heard a male Pheasant cockcrow from the wildlife garden, and even heard its display wing beats. However, later either this or another such bird was to crow from the Small Copse. Back in the garden a male Bullfinch was amongst Blackthorn blossom, as a Chiff Chaff perched upon Elder whilst one of three Greenfinches was upon Buddleia. Hawthorn, unlike its fellow thorn, was pushing out leaves before blossom.
Upon the downland overlooking the Lighthouse a few stems of Cowslip decorated the sward. Sun glistened off dew drops whilst one Raven called out from the lower measure mile marker. Far out on the horizon was the silhouette of a large oblong shape cargo vessel. It was first yellow fishing vessel PE1087 broke the clam sea surface as it headed west. A noisy boat full of anglers followed. I was rewarded by seeking out Pat & John’s stone seat as three Early Spider Orchid stems showed flowers nearby. These flowers were only two inches tall, so easy to step upon by the unobservant. Amongst the undulating and Ant Hill marked landscaper were a Skylark pair amongst the short turf. Not a potential nesting site I thought. I progressed towards a previous Yellow Hammer territory, although I did not see the bird I latter passing again heard the unmistakable “little bit bread and some cheese” call. Only two Jackdaws occupied the Lighthouse complex and shared a chimney perch. Of course, Wood Pigeons occupied the upper gully scrub and were joined also by a Jay. Upon the ground it looked as if Badgers had been digging for fresh roots and insect grubs. Tiny Wild Thyme leaves were amongst and old spoil that was part vegetated and part expose clay and Purbeck limestone. Today, I found Charlock showing its yellow flowers.
One Magpie occupied a Sycamore in Saxon where a thorn branch needs pruning to help better passing of this corner wet patch. The musky scent of Fox was upon the air here. I was surprised to see a couple of seed clocks of Hawks bit in Saxon. A Rabbit ran towards, then away from, the scrub island in South Field. It elected to return to the hedgerows cover. Ash buds had opened (Small Copse) to reveal what looked like burnt tipped Broccoli sprigs.