Yesterday I was surprised upon discovering three Snowdrop stems in flower at Kingston Lacey. Today I was reassured by the three stems of Winter Heliotrope flowers on the Saxon interface with the Small Copse.
However, today, the Jay that dove into scrub was briefly seen to reappear before hiding again. I was lucky to the golden orb sun rise from the saline horizon. A last quarter half-moon hung I the sky with only ten days to gone until our shortest day. Carrion Crows were active with a pair exchanging aerial “nudges”. The entire murder (of Crows!) soon became vocal. I inhaled the scent of white Viburnum flowers found beside the road. Beforehand a Wren had dove into its cover. Upon the breeze was carried the smell of Hereford Cattle.
A pair of Magpie were active around the Small Copse, here white tongue like fungi of Candle Snuff fungi protruded from the ground. Jackdaws flew under the wires to join the cattle. One of said birds perched upon an unconcerned cow’s head.
At the cliff face two circling Fulmars were active whilst again the cliff cave held good numbers of brown and white Guillemots. A good dozen of these birds was eventually spotted amongst the undulating sea. Again, two Greater Black Backed Gulls loitered about the cliffs, as a Shag arrived below.
A Raven flew west, then over the sea at height flew a Cormorant in the opposing direction. In the gully the leaf and needle cover of Gorse, Holly, Ivy and Yew gave some colour. At the gully mouth in stood in a sunbeam and absorbed some of its energy. I photographed the Foghorn for a forthcoming presentation, then noticed the wind peeled “wallpaper” of Ivy hanging from the complex’s perimeter wall. Worm casts sat upon small patches of exposed soil.
It amused me seeing a Cock Pheasant walking upon horseshoe bridge’s parapets. Nearby a Goat Willow had retained the bulk of its leaves amongst otherwise naked trees. A Robin, Blue Tits and Great Tits were vocal and active here whilst the rattling Wren remained hidden. Not a bad start to the day!
Today’s diary written by Paul Jones