An extra hour as the clocks go back, so more time to enjoy a wonder around the National Nature Reserve! As the wind pours over from the south west, gusting to 28 mph at times, hanging in the air were 2 Ravens, its shape easily recognised with the wedge shaped tail, the long wings ending in distinct fingers and a large head, however their low deep croak was what caught my attention originally.
The sound of the calls of a flock of finches, drew my binoculars skyward, these small dark brown birds spotted against the grey sky, their shapes all looking very similar, their voices however betrayed their differences with some Goldfinches, Linnets, Siskin and Chaffinches all heard as I stood craning my neck near the lighthouse.
Some yellow flowers seen along the path were the Common Toadflax, a bright two-tone lemon and mustard, with delicate thin leaves. The odd Rough Hawkbit, splashes of Daisies, an Ox-eye Daisy and some Yarrow added to the flowers of the day.
Emerging form the grassland turf are some mushrooms, including the hooded Shaggy Ink Caps, the round Puffballs and some Horse Mushrooms and the very similar (and potentially poisonous) Yellow Stainers. In the woods a red mess is the remains of the Clathrus Ruber fungus, which emerges as a red cage then collapses in on itself.
A sudden fluttering in the Blackthorn and a flock of Long-tailed Tits, were moving through the spiky twigs, a constant babbling of sound. Even though there were at least 10 they were really difficult to get good views of – although the long tails were easier to see.
The warm evenings and southerly wind have been bringing migrant moths over from the continent and giving our residents a longer flying season, so good numbers of moths in the trap. These included Scarce Bordered Straw, Beaded Chestnut, Black Rustic, Green-brindled Crescent, Lunar Underwing and Merville du Jour.