The wise bird knows to play it coy and stay in sheltered sites
The showy bird
Is more likely to be heard
And end up in a Kestrel’s sights
A dark approach to the park today, with the sun’s rise obscured by a heavy layer of cloud. As I walked through the Woodland in this muggy twilight, Robins and Blackbirds were dawn chorusing. After arriving at the Learning Centre amidst the calls of Great Tits, I headed out in the direction of the Small Copse. The Hereford cows were engaging in some fairly enthusiastic mooing as I passed, though they didn’t sound distressed.
Near the Dry Stone Walling area, I spied a Song Thrush nestled amongst the undergrowth of the hedge, remaining silent as I passed. Small Copse didn’t yield any new fungi finds, just a few of the seemingly eternal King Alfred’s Cakes that cling to the dead trunks at its centre.
In the Saxon Field, I walked past a large clump of Gorse in the centre, noting the remains of several Field Mushrooms at its base. A Magpie soared overhead, skilfully riding the air currents. A Raven passed by in the opposite direction, flying a little more conventionally. Closer to the ground I noticed a flash of movement in my peripheral vision. A Wren disappearing into the tangled scrub.
Travelling down the drove I spotted a Banded Snail on the grass at my feet. Or perhaps it was a Yellow Meadow Ant? It can be hard to tell the difference at times. I continued my journey, with a few Redwings flitting between patches of vegetation, always staying partially obscured by branches and twigs.
Out on the Downlands, I marvelled at a Kestrel hovering above. It was ridge soaring on the incoming breeze with great alacrity and I watched it make several rapid dives, though I don’t think it succeeded in catching anything. Beside the Lighthouse, I got a perfect view of a Stonechat and Dunnock sitting on adjacent branches on a bush, nicely framed by my binoculars. A sight worthy of a greetings card.