It was refreshing to return from self-imposed exile having spent three days realigning steps inland at Houns Tout. There we had the company of a Peregrine Falcon and unfortunately disturbed a family of Slow Worms during deep excavations into the clay.
Today, the wind caused the now leaf wearing trees to “jiggle”. As a result, petals of Hawthorn Blossom had begun to be spread like confetti. It was warm in the sunlight but cold in the shade. Although silent, it was the distinctive shape that indicated a Swift passed over South Field. Towards South Barn a Kestrel hovered, wings beating, as it sought prey below. I was grateful for having arrived early as I discovered the bottom strand of electric fence being broken. Luckily none of the Hereford calves had performed “limbo” manoeuvrers underneath the top strand.
In Ox Eye meadow there was Frog Hopper “cuckoo spit” upon Blackthorn regrowth. Elsewhere, these bugs nymphs had encased themselves in its protective foam upon the underside of Bristly Ox Tongue leaves. It was a delight to see the pink flowers of Sainfoin amongst Yellow Rattle. Interestingly, I was not to see the meadows namesake Ox Eye Daisies here, instead they were beside the wildlife garden pond. Skylarks sang overhead whilst a male Blackbird was content to simply observe from the hedgerow.
After skirting the edge of a quarr hollow caldera like rim, I exchanged glances with a Roe Deer just over a drystone wall, It looked back over its shoulder until I clambered over the stone stile. It disappeared into scrub just before another, on the opposite side of the gully, did likewise. At last, the gully cover was filled with a mixture of leaves and blossom.
Above the gully rock exposure, a quiet male Stonechat perched in Blackthorn. I passed Early Purple Orchid flowers that were beginning to go over; however, I enjoyed seeing a carpet of Thrift near the gully mouth. The leaves of Winter Heliotrope were peppered with hole, one Slug upon them might have been one of the culprits. First the leaves, then the buds of Bittersweet were discovered climbing through Bramble. Many white wavelets meant not such good conditions for Marine Watching. However, training today 14:30 at the learning centre if you are interested.