With the fog lifting as I began my early patrol, hopes were high of a dry stroll.
Quickly dashed by the water seeping through my boots and trousers as I walked along the paths, the grasses drooping and the water droplets clinging on. Crested Dog’s Tail, Yorkshire Fog, Quaking Grass, Sweet Vernal Grass and Creeping Bent.
Woven between the stems a wonderful selection of spiders webs, their silk threads highlighted by a bead of silvery water.
From beside me came a rustling sound and turning I had fantastic views of two Roe Deer, both a gingery tan colour, the male sporting two antlers, one of which has got a very distinctive and recognisable kink in it.
From the patch of Blackthorn scrub came the rattling call of a Grasshopper Warbler, a glimpse of it seen as I stood patiently in the oncoming drizzle!
On the downs near the Lighthouse, a Stonechat was chatting, the white collar and black cap visible against the grey sky.
Loads of yellow flowers in bloom at the moment from the tall spikes of Agrimony, and the round heads of the Hop Trefoil, to the composite flower heads of Fleabane, Lesser Hawkbit and Hoary Ragwort.
As I bent to admire a few flowers of Ladies Bedstraw as large lumbering Greater Bloody-nosed Beetle clambered slowly along the stems, a wonderful purplish colour showing especially from its underside as it swayed.
Flitting across the path ahead of me a couple of Willow Warblers and a single Common Whitethroat.
Reports from the bird ringing group on site first thing included Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Lesser Whitethroat and the first Redstart of the Autumn.