The tinkling sound of Goldfinches passing over my head, began my morning’s patrol. As I listened and then watched the flock dropped down into the top branches of a berry laden Hawthorn, flashes of gold as they flickered their wings, brightening the greyness of the day.
A large patch of Wild Carrot providing a white carpet to the meadow at first glance, however looking more closely and the other flowers appear including the deep purple coloured Selfheal, the white discs of Field Bindweed and the dull pink of Red Bartsia.
The Grasses have mostly turned golden brown, the heads of Tall Fescue, Wall Barley, Quaking Grass, Coltsfoot, Smooth Meadow Grass, False Oat Grass, Creeping Bent and Soft Brome a mass of seeds.
From the Honeysuckle, which is covered in pale lemon flowers, came the squeaking seep of a Bullfinch, and what a sight, a blob of bright pink, contrasting with the immaculate grey, with a backdrop of leafy green – quite stunning.
The dampness encouraging Snails to be active, with numerous Garden Snails, White-lipped Snails and Wall Snails sliding their way across the ground and stiles. A Trapdoor Snail also on the move, while the upright Spire Snails were climbing the stems of the Durlston Rock Sea-Lavender.
Just a single Gatekeeper butterfly seen, many more hiding amongst the stems waiting for drier weather.
The odd patch of purple Tufted Vetch tumbling across the hedgerow, where a Dunnock popped out, burst into song and the then disappeared again.
In the copse the delicate Enchanter’s Nightshade, alongside Nettle, and the remains of Jack-by the-Hedge, while Hemp Agrimony, Hogweed and Wild Privet all flower nearby.
From the branches of the Black Pine above came the clattering sound of Wood Pigeons taking off.