As I looked out to sea, at the dark grey foreboding clouds to the west and the large grey sailed yacht slowly moving east, a bird fluttered across the view. Raising my binoculars to where it had landed in the Apple Tree and a lovely female Cirl Bunting was in view. Another flutter and landing on the bow below was another, this time juvenile, then another – proof of a successful breeding year for this newly arrived bird. Just to complete the set, a stunning male Cirl Bunting then perched on the top of the Hawthorn bush, showing off his yellow stripes and reddish tinged shoulders.
Prior to this excitement I had trying to identify one of the pinkish mint family of plants, Wild Basil, having already spotted Black Horehound.
Alongside was Stinking Iris and clambering along the seed pod was a small black weevil, with pale yellow and white dots – a Stinking Iris Weevil – new to me.
Stopping again to enjoy the variety of the meadows, where the tall stems of yellow flowered Agrimony, are alongside the purple flowers of Greater Knapweed, the white domes of Wild Carrot and a scattering of Marjoram. Lower in the scape Self Heal, Red Clover, White Clover, Field Bindweed, Red Bartsia, Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Hop Trefoil, Black Medick. Lesser Trefoil and Hay Rattle.
The grasses of Foxtail and cocksfoot covered in seeds, as is Crested Dog’s Tail, Quaking Grass, Meadow Barley, Smooth Meadow-grass, Small Cat’s Tail and Sweet Vernal Grass amongst others.
Investigating the moth trap on my return, produced some fantastic Elephant Hawkmoths, as well as Small Elephant Hawkmoths. But also possibly tow of my favourites – Buff Tip and Lappet, plus 4 different yellow underwings – the Large, Lesser, Broad Bordered and Lesser Broad Bordered Yellow Underwing.
Checking on the Hereford herd of cattle, the cows and calves all lying down, chewing some cud and relaxing, alongside was Nigel the Hereford bull, they are in the mostly westerly downland fields at the moment.