A Kestrel hovered against a westerly wind blowing inland near the walling centre. But was it a Kestrel again that came close to ground level, skirting the scrub racing up and over a wall and gate only to tightly turn 180 degrees back on itself. A Merlin perhaps? Within the gully I was confident it was a Peregrine Falcon that I inadvertently set up from the ground near the rock face.
I could not resist visiting the subterranean Bee colony which had burrowed into soil between the stone of the gully rock face. Upon arrival either the burrow entrance had moved or been reformed to having a smaller entrance. I cautiously approached the score of bees around the entrance and managed to capture one without being stung. A considerably hum came from within and I was relieved not to have a swarm come after me and my captive! Honeybees are normally tree or building dwellers this subterranean colony may be an exception. I hope to later compare a specimen from another colony nesting in one of the bollards!
Around the corner on the grassland an unmistakable 10 cm long brown and furry Fox Moth Caterpillar was still in eating mode! One Gatekeeper put in a fleeting appearance as in drunkenly tumble over the sward. From within the cover of a hill side clump of Blackthorn, Gorse, Honeysuckle, Old Man’s Beard which towered above me short sharp burst of two Grasshoppers or Bush crickets came through unseen. Undertones Worms, Slugs and Meadow Ants were active.
Goldfinches passed overhead with the largest group being forty strong of Saxon Field. Towards the gully mouth amongst the Gorse the unmistakable Stonechat call was heard whilst elsewhere short Robin song bursts rang out. I found specimens of Yellow Wort still in flower and was surprised to see fresh plum petals of four flower heads upon a Woolly Thistle. Eyebright, Knapweed, Scabious and Lady’s Bedstraw all contributed to today’s flowers.