This morning (7-9am) I undertook two laps of the visitor observation survey route. Amongst the Long Meadow hedgerow, were the large drooping palmate leaves of a Horse Chestnut which held upright stems of white flowers. Another Horse Chestnut within the coastal woodland had no inflorescence, due to greater competition for sunlight. Back at the hedgerow Ground-Ivy with its violet leaves. Back in the woodland the whites of Ramson flowers were accompanied by Bluebells. In the woodland Lord’s & Ladies flowers showed their respective “parts”, whilst I was surprised to see ruby fruits upon Laurel and black ones upon Box.
Curiously today I held an unseen Green Woodpecker at both Long Meadow / The Aviaries as well as in Castle Wood. Initially heard, then saw perched in a virtually naked Sycamore (wearing light wraps of Ivy) was a Jay. Bracken fronds were unfurling in the sunlight whilst Hart’s Tongue Fern in the shade. I suspected slight branch damage and light bark stripping of a newly planted Black Pine might have been the work of a Roe Deer.
Near the timeline a solo Long Tailed Tit passed through Elm, whilst nearby Garlic Mustard (Jack of the Hedge) held small white flowers.
A range of birds were seen transporting items of nesting material. A Stonechat was amongst coastal Gorse and two Goldfinches flew past chattering at the observation point. Today I saw five Fulmar’s in flight together although I believe six were active. It was a treat to see an Oystercatcher perched, instead of passing, below Tilly Whim’s wave cut platform. Also, upon a ledge close to the sea were a Cormorant pair and a Shag duo simply resting. I was happy to have “clocked” the yellow and fluffy flower heads of Kidney Vetch just over the edge on the grassy patches of the sea cliffs. Linnets flew about the diagonal path where Bittersweet dangled fresh buds.