It was a relief not having to check on electric fence and the cattle. Thus, into the meadows via a well-trodden grassy path populated with Common Daisies. Dog fur was passed, which might later be harvested by a bird or small mammal for nesting. Bare branches, of Ash and Sycamore, swayed at the edge of Small Copse. A game of “who is in the hedgerow” consisted of Robin(s). It appeared that one bird advanced ahead of me upon the Blackthorn. A west facing patch in Saxon North, held some blossom open. I thought I heard the “Tzee” of a Greenfinch, but no sighting.
Near Hay Rake Quarr, standing in a hollow a fresh pile of excavated soil upon the bank suggested Bank Vole activity. Both Haws and Cotoneaster fruits as well as Ivy Berries were at the edges. A small birds low flight, between scrub, was that of a Wren. Within “scallops” brush cut out of the Bramble margin, fresh growth of Arum leaves had moved in. It was a treat to sea a Rabbit, albeit mostly the white tail as it disappeared into thorny cover. I could not resist harvesting, breaking a smelling the conical leaf blade of Crow Garlic. The scent stayed upon my hands. Flying seaward over Holcombe Meadow were a Quartet of Carrion Crow. Meanwhile, the pattern of a leaf mining insect’s tunnel, could be seen upon a Blackberry leaf. Celandines show yellow flowers, although there was the odd part white petal, at the margin of Bramble and Bracken clumps.
In Ox Eye Meadow, there was a sheltered patch of Blackthorn with east facing white buds looking soon to open. Blackbird alarm calls were heard whilst two pairs, one of Magpie the other of Carrion Crow, explore the grassland. A distant Pheasant Cock crow rang out, once. In the Upper Gully, a cluster of fresh Roe Deer were discovered amongst a quarry hollow. I think it was a Song Thrush performing below whilst a welcomingly silent Jay flew down the dry winterbourne route.
It was lucky and unusual, to find a Kestrel perched amongst the edge of a Holm Oak crown at the Small Copse. The bird stared down into the relatively untouched grassland between the many anthills.