Whilst two Rabbits sat calmly by the rear wheels of the Mule, the waffle of a Green Woodpecker rang out from Reservoir Copse. Where Bramble had be cleared beside a path fresh Stinging Nettles leaves were seen taking advantage of the open ground.
The mist was such that I could see across South Field to its western hedgerow. Ash trees were partially decorated with hardy seeds pods at the Small Copse. Small (5mm diameter) orange disc fungi (Cheilymenia fimicola) swarmed the tops of several cow pats. Winter Heliotrope which had crept out of the copse’s western edge were in flower in the margin of Saxon Field. Again I could see across this field also, however, only two Carrion Crown were seen to take off from the ground.
I ventured into the cattle free gully keen to explore unhindered. Whilst the well grazed grass was easier to negotiate the churned tracks were no, however, it will be to the benefit of next year’s flora! I found a miniature balloon like egg sac of a Wasp (aka Tiger) Spider amongst cut grass on the route of the electric fence line below the lighthouse. This sac was spun several months ago and house young spiders which will hatch in spring. Looking down into the gully scrub several Blackthorn were encrusted with Branching Lichens. I believed I heard a Song Thrush therein and possibly an unseen family of Long Tailed Tits. Back up slope a Pheasant glided across the gully after calling. Near the gully mouth a Fox’s “leavings” contained the reptile like flesh of a bird’s leg. Further, inland I had seen a scattering of plucked Wood Pigeon feathers possibly from a Peregrine Falcon’s kill.I sent up a dozen Rock Doves as I walked up the coast path steps. Off shore I counted seven Shag flying east travelling low over the sea. Except for one pair I only saw individual Shag passing. Two Guillemot flew from cliff out sea, however, the Guillemot Cave was empty. However, two Regal looking Great Black Back Gulls were perched seaward of said feature. Jackdaws had been occupying the Lighthouse Cottages roofs, the lower mile marker but from the diagonal path I saw the swirl of forty off the Observation Point. Sail like Spider webs occupied the Gorse beside the diagonal path in the hope of catching what few flying insects there might be.