A blanket of grey cloud covering the sky, accompanied by a breezy south westerly wind, a great change from of late!
Flitting above the meadows a group of Meadow Pipits, just 5 noted in the blustery conditions this morning, their calling helping with identification, as the dull light was making all birds look similar in colour.
However as I watched these pipits drop back onto the ground a Stonechat was perching on the stem of a Greater Knapweed, allowing me to look closely and admire its markings, another paler chested Stonechat popped up alongside to add more contrast.
Swinging overhead a couple of Pied Wagtails, their looping flight pattern accompanied by their call.
Amongst the dead grass the Rough Hawkbit showing prominently, round yellow heads providing some colour as was the pink of Red Clover and purple of Black Knapweed.
The tall spikes of Agrimony also piercing the view, as a Skylark emerged from the area.
A female Pheasant took off, erupting from just by my feet, causing palpitations to my body!! The fluttering, flapping and crowing adding to my shock.
In a few sheltered spots, the Ivy flowers were attracting the Ivy Bees, and also enjoying the nectar a large queen Buff-tailed Bumble Bee and some Drone Flies, as well as a couple of Red Admirals.
In the gully, a bright tan coloured Roe Deer was browsing on the low growing leaves, while just above it a Sparrowhawk was perched on the branch of the Oak tree.
High pitched squeaking call, as I walked through the Black Pine dominated Copse, made me look upwards, and eventually spot our smallest birds, the Goldcrest.
A flock of Goldfinches landed on the Wayfaring Tree, providing multicoloured dots as topping to most branches!