Stinging Nettle dangled flowers and the white cross flowers of Cleavers were outside the Hide. Inside the hide a Spider scampered across its web. Back outside dew was upon both the herb layer and even higher up upon Bramble leaves. The familiar sound of a Chaffinch rang out as I spotted the urban coast beyond Ballard Down.
There was plenty of Cuckoo Spit which I knew concealed Frog Hopper young upon even Blackthorn. In south Field much more Pale Flax was evident. The dense near complete circles of grass growth I thought might be associated with the location of Fairy Rings of fungi. I also noted that where Cowslip was fading Yellow Rattle was stepping in with blooms. From the large Copse a Song Thrush broadcast. I found a solitary Common Spotted Orchid which had pinker flowers with marked petals unlikely its fellow spotted leaved “cousin”.
In Saxon near a dozen Bumble Bees buzzed over the small flowers upon Cotoneaster. I began to question my own memory as I sought out the Early English Gentians that had previously been nearby. Instead, I noticed Eye Bright flowers and the “lanterns” of Quaking Oat Grass, then I caught sight of a Blackcap perched above. Despite thick patches of Tor Grass both the Early Purple and Green Veined Orchids were still to be found in Saxon. Meanwhile, in the meadow margins eve the large leaves of Burdock were becoming obscured by Bracken growth even though frond tips were yet to fully open.
Upon a well-trodden path (where all visitor’s feet should be) I sent upon a Carrion Crow from amongst Common Daisies. Ox Eye Daisies had begun to appear in its namesake and other meadows as well as the downland. A Swallow passed overhead as an unidentified day flower moth moved in the sunlight. Today I saw a Cock Pheasant (upon a downland slope) before it called out. I was delighted to see the pink blues of the rather cone like cluster of pink Sainfoin flowers. This patrol’s butterflies were Small Blue and Speckled Wood. At ankle level the white petals of a yellow stamen Rose. Passing the Small Copse the remains of a bird’s wing suggested Fox activity.