Held aloft by fragile wings, a gatekeeper braves the weather
Dodging raindrops the size of your head is a major endeavour
A soggy morning to be out and about today, with drizzle and blustery winds a constant companion on my journey. All was quiet as I set off, without even the calls of the Learning Centre’s resident House Sparrows to see me off. Knapweed lined the footpaths, with abundant Plantain flourishing on the ground. I’m glad someone is enjoying the weather.
The Honey Bees were rather sedate today, with very little traffic in and out of their colony. It’s probably a good day for them to curl up with a nice warm mug of honey and take it easy. Large Copse provided some shelter from the elements, and Hairy Stearum was sprouting from a number of rotting logs. I scouted around for some more fungi, but came up short.
The meadows remained colourful despite the grey skies, with green and bluing sloes, Fleabane just coming into yellow flower alongside Agrimony spears, and orange Jack in the Pulpit berries on stalks emerging from the hedgerows. Past Centenary Meadow next to a patch of Honeysuckle, I heard my first chirrups of the morning. A Robin, which remained hidden in the bushes, and a Blue Tit, which made and exploratory flight into the rain before thinking bettor of it and returning.
Brian Johnson Meadow hosted a mixed salad of Wild Carrot and Wild Parsnip. An intrepid Gatekeeper butterfly attempted to navigate through what must feel to it like a biblical storm. I watched as it struggled on, buffeted by gusts. Plucky little thing.
The downlands were exposed to a hefty sea breeze, but supported a lovely patch of Eyebright, as well as Teasels and the odd Wooley Thistle. In the distance Greater Black Backed Gulls soared over the waves, their large wings making easy work of riding out the foul weather.