Residential volunteer Sarah reported a Merlin near the castle last night and this morning.
It was a Jay that vanished in the approach road’s evergreen cover. The first of many Magpie encounters was beside the office. Rosehips and Blackberries, in places, still looked palatable. Jackdaws “tchicks” rang out from Small Copse whilst Carrion Crow vocals emanated, along with Magpie chattering, from near the Large Copse. Over Saxon meadow passed a threesome of Goldfinches.
Today I counted what I took to be 23 Red Admirals. Most were high flying, and some were clearly identified. One was amongst Bees, Flies and Hoverflies amongst Ivy flowers beside the east- west drove. There was a bounty of Haws beside this Drove. Beforehand unseen Robins “tics” drifted in Saxon.
Seven Herb Robert flowers were passed before using a stone stile and the short “song” of a Bush-cricket were heard. A third quarter moon and straight vapour trails appeared in the blue sky between high cloud.
I set up Magpies in Herren Ground, and upon pondering the absence of Hirundinidae, as the red throat of a Swallow was seen amongst the birds that passed overhead. Further collective action was over Hodgetts Meadow. Herren Ground presented a snippets of Skylark song. I check upon the Hereford Cattle grazing, for now, in Field one, after yesterday’s TB inspection (all well). Along the North-west drove I encountered a Speckled Wood. Large, brown, sticky buds belonged a wall side Sweet Chestnut.
The dew pond was cattle hoof marked damp clay. Amongst it were grazed Flag Iris leaves and a good show of Scentless Mayweed flowers. I should not have been surprised at the extend of the Gorse regrowth. A taller clump held some yellow flowers. It was a delight to reach the coastal ridge a see a sea beam upon the sea just west of the Lighthouse. Pairs of Carrion Crows headed west against the breeze. Two Greater Black Backed Gulls glided with the wind. Heading down the dry winterbourne, I believe it was a Painted Lady that flew over a cloak of Old Mans Beard. .