Carrion Crows and Woodpigeons fled the Small Copse, where the wind was heard moving through the trees. Patches of bark had been stripped from a Sycamore by Grey Squirrels. The sound of both a Pheasant and an aircraft broke the quiet. Upon entering Saxon, the sound of Skylarks materialised. I had intended to go upon onto the coast ridge but was deterred by a very “Soggy Sycamore Corner”. Fortunately, this led to Hairy Violet blooms, beside a moss-covered Ant Hill, being seen near the hay rake. Elsewhere in Saxon, spotted leaves of Early Purple Orchid were found. Mist was trying to hide Ballard Down.
Fresh leaves were upon Old Man’s Beard, that climbed through thorns. The Carrion Crow that called to another, passing silently, left its Sycamore perch to follow the other bird, still calling out! A male Blackbird was glimpsed during its flight between scrub cover. It was pleasing to see a Greenfinch, which had been responsible for recent “tzee” sounds. Upon pools of water in footprints, a blue sheen came from natural oils. Batches of Blackthorn blossom was out along Saxon’s northern boundary whilst Hawthorn showed leaves in the northeast corner.
Tasker’s Meadow was soddened, however, the Sheep upon neighbour’s land seemed content with Carrion Crows amongst them. Five Herring Gulls “mewed” before rising from Smithfield. More of their kind, along with Jackdaws joined in their calling and flying. Long Meadow’s hedgerow showed “rabbits’ ear” bud leaves upon Dog Wood. Where and Oak held some dried leaves, a few masts remained upon Field Maple. Horse Chestnut buds had started to reveal the underside of fresh leaves. Whilst a Wren and Chiff Chaff were heard a Chaffinch was seen, along with a “friendly” Robin. Fresh cones were seen upon the car park’s Black Pine, just before a shower broke.
Botanist D. Leadbetter reported Cornish Dandelion beside the wooded coast path Isle of Wight Rd.