Another figure of eight visitor observation walk this morning, saw my recording four walkers all of whom were friendly, familiar faces! One of which was a neighbour whom reported a Parakeet being observed over the aviaries yesterday. Next week we return to the freedom of roaming! The sea cliffs were relatively quiet this morning, however, for a change two Fulmars were at times on their circuits flying low over the sea. Whilst a Shag dove from the water’s surface a Cormorant flew at height off to the west. Blackbirds were in abundance scouring muddy road verges, fly from hedgerow the woodland across Long Meadow, exploded out of Blackthorn, or leaf turning on the ground. A Jay swooped across the road whilst a plump Wood Pigeon sat upon a branch and pooped on the road! There were either many Magpies or a few stalked me! Often our pied fellows were “hoppity hopping” around car park margins and upon the sward. Beside Long Meadow a Horse Chestnut displayed large brown buds. An English Oak displayed a few Cherry Galls and had a small leaf and silk nursery tent made by either a moth or spider!
A Grey Squirrel raided the castle “squirrel and sometime bird feeder”! Later looking at a sunken / buried dry stone wall beneath aviaries tree cover I spied a white breasted squirrel sat upright on its hind paws looking back at me. Beside the woodchip path through the aviaries the distinctive Turkey Tail bracket fungi was most obvious on a path side log. Its wavy edge was mimic with a growth ring like pattern with an overall red brown colour. I venture to the aviaries winterbourne, current a series of puddles, and saw the flush of green leaves of Three Corner Leek. I found one Primrose with several flowers out near the glade. As I progressed towards the Stephenson screen the call of a Raven drifted from the walling centre area. Mick & Catherine reported two Roe Deer and numerous Bullfinches and Chaffinches in the wildlife garden! It looks if Jackdaws are preparing to nest on top of the Belvedere as twigs are sticking out from around the chimney stacks! My investigation suggest that it was a pair of Kestrels flew up together and called together in flight over the castle.