The sound of a Robin as it sung from the top of a chunk of haw laden Hawthorn. Above me Swallows were swooping and jinking across the sky, a chattering calling to be enjoyed as they flew overhead.
At the bottom of the hedgerow the bright orange berries of Stinking Iris caught my eye, alongside an enclosed pod which had been chewed through from one side.
In a patch of Tamarisk a selection of small birds were to be spotted. Although the leaves of this plant brought here by the Victorians are small and wispy, when looking at the bush small birds can hide really well!! However the bending branches indicated action and on stopping and staring a Chiffchaff was seen, its dark legs gripping the stem, before it moved yet again. A streak through its eyebrow and dull greenish yellow plumage added to identification features.
More movement and a Great Tit popped up, followed by a Blue Tit, both with lots of yellow on their fronts, the Great Tits though like a waistcoat!
Turning to look out to sea, a Shag was skimming low over the fairly flat water, the long neck immediately obvious, it then swung towards the cliffs landing on the low rock where another Shag was stood. Comparing them it was easy to see the new arrival was an adult while the other one was a much greyer coloured youngster.
I large pile of Badger droppings, full of dark purple blackberry remains, was just by a gateway, above which the long bright red rope of Black Bryony berries.
Sustained by a few juicy blackberries picked off the Bramble, I continued with the accompaniment of a Stonechat, which was perched nearby, occasionally popping above the leaves to allow a good view.
Returning up a slope a few purple flowers of Dwarf Thistle caught my eye, as I leant down their other name, as I put my hand on a whorl of spikes, came to mind of Picnic Thistle – catching out the unwary. Despite the pain, the view of Autumn Ladies Tresses was worth it!