As I started off my early patrol in the dullness of 7.30am the sounds of Blackbirds were the most numerous. The fluty song twittering forth from the bright yellow beak as the male perched on the branch of a misshapen Ash tree. A little later the other common Blackbird sound was heard, that of one turning leaves at the bottom of a hedge, this time a brown female was spotted amongst the stems of Blackthorn, and leaves of Harts-tongue Fern and Stinking Iris.
As I continued westward, Ballard Down disappeared into the mist, and the gentle rain started to descend.
Amongst the Brambles a Robin flittered, the bright red breast flashing towards me every now and then, while below a Dunnock skulked in the lower fronds.
As I aimed towards the furthest corner of Durlston, the sound of cows mooing, as to welcome me to their field. A check of the electric fences, including the new paddock extension, revealed the charge was still good, keeping these magnificent Hereford in the right place (for now).
As I counted a Jay flew past, the loud squawk, not the blue flash on its wing bringing it to my attention. Magpies also in the vicinity parading their superb white feathers as they strutted and chuckled to each other.
Having got very wet in the rain attempting to fix a water trough I strolled back and was surprised by a Roe Deer browsing in the gully, the dull brown coat dripping.
As I returned to the Centre a selection of Lichen caught the eye including the ‘fluffy greeny-grey’ Evernia prunastri, and Usnea subfloridana.
The odd plant in flower, including a pale pink coloured Yarrow, the brighter pink Herb Robert and a few Daisies.
Last night a crashing in the bushes followed by the clatter of nails on the hard surface revealed a Badger trundling across the path.