My morning patrol began in gloom and under grey skies but as the day continued sunshine burst out, producing a gorgeous start.
Overhead numerous migrating birds were passing, with hundreds of Meadow Pipits on the move. In amongst these groups a few Siskins, some Chaffinches and some Pied Wagtails.
My highlight however was the sight of a Merlin. This tiny bird of prey was spotted as I scanned the flocks of birds passing overhead. The distinct ‘bird of prey’ shape emerging and easily followed as it glided around waiting to capture its unsuspecting prey.
Further reports were 1 Serin, 1000 Goldfinches, 400 Linnets, 200 Siskins, 200 Pied Wagtails, 30 Skylarks, 6 Ring Ouzels, Swallows, Sand and House Martins.
As the sunshine began to backlight the bushes a silhouettes of small birds appeared, Robins were spotted on numerous occasions, while a Redwing and a Stonechat was perched on the top of a berry laden Hawthorn.
Looking into the rambling hedgerow where the ropes of Black Bryony are covered in succulent red berries and the Honeysuckle has smaller red berries, a flock of Long-tailed Tits were spotted, a constant ‘chittering’ as they moved about. In the same area a male Blackcap was hopping through the branches and a Chiffchaff poked its head up.
Some of our butterflies are still about with a Speckled Wood fluttering near the bridge, a Red Admiral in Saxon Field and a Painted Lady down by the cliffs.
Trotting across the path near the centre was a Fox, the colour a wonderful rich chestnut except for the white tip to its tail.
The last of the flowers are still in bloom which include the purple flowers of Greater Knapweed, pale lilac of Field Scabious, yellows of Rough and Autumn Hawkbit and the pink Red Clover.