Fresh deposits in a Badger latrine we beside the South Barn – Saxon path. Only Bats, Hazel Dormouse and Hedgehogs are true UK hibernators, other species instead go through torpor, waking as they need.
Back upon the woodland coast path a distant Pheasant cockcrow was heard. Amongst the woodland the fruits of Wild Madder, Privet and a dozen Snowberries were noted. Sycamore keys, Ash and Horse Chestnut buds were evident. I paused to consider the still leaning Black Pine that was at forty-five degrees looming over the depths of the undercliff.
Was that distant call of a Green Woodpecker, or was that just what I wanted to hear? Orange fruit peered through gaps in the skin of a Japanese Spindle fruit. Hydrangea flowers persisted whilst Mahonia dangled colour rinsed fruits. I was disappointed not to find any Durlston Snow Drops (Leeson House verge had blooms!).
Out to sea the Isle of Wight was but a silhouette, whilst golden edges to clouds indicated the obscured sun’s location. Upon the Solent Road verge one Carrot Broomrape stem held seven flowers.
Entering Smithfield I saw distant Hereford Cattle near California Farm. It was my first time noticing our neighbours five Bee Hives, obviously inactive. In Taskers two Magpie foraged amongst the cut section of the meadow. At Saxon’s Hayrake Quarr plenty of Orchid basal rosettes were noted along with many small Banded Snails.
Heading across Saxon South I was amazed that over half of the Gorse bush ahead of me, was wearing yellow blooms although it was the north facing side! A pair of Blackbirds scampered along the hedgerow heading towards the Small Copse.
Whilst reading the weather data it sounded like a Black Cap was calling from the garden.