Last night I had the pleasure of enjoying a gorgeous starry sky, under cover of the darkness a Badger was heard scuttling along the path ahead of me. I took the same route this morning and was able to spot the characteristic paw prints, the five nails leaving holes in the wet mud.
Above the hedgerow a Kestrel which was hovering, was disturbed by a Jackdaw dropping down towards it. As this long-tailed falcon avoided the Jackdaw it jinked and then swept along the hedge to hover again.
The gorgeous sound of a Song Thrush singing loudly from the large patch of Ivy, took me a while to find as it was hidden amongst the branches. As I was searching I did however spot a Chaffinch and a small flock of Blue Tits.
A flash of white alerted me to a Bullfinch that landed in amongst the branches of the Wild Pear, the pink breast seen as it turned, such a great bird!
On the downs the large slimy caps of Field Blewitt showing above the green grass, as is the occasional Parasol Mushroom and Common Puffball.
Walking across the meadows enabled a good look at what work is required for the next couple of months – mostly cutting come of the scrub (Blackthorn, Bramble and Old Man’s Beard) which has grown up along the dry-stone walls, especially where the walls require rebuilding.
On the cliff the Guillemots are again in occupation (having not been present for a couple of days in the strong winds and seas). Their black and white colouration blending in with the grey cliffs.
Skimming past heading west was a couple of Gannets, all brilliant white except for the black tipped wings.
Lots of runners arriving for the parkrun, many red and white Christmas hats to be spotted!