With golden sun up my back I wander nature’s ways
I follow a familiar track I’ve walked a hundred days
And yet today is different from those many treks of yore
The wildlife that I stand among, I feel it so much more
The sights, the sounds, the temperature, I hold them close today
I know them like as never before as I wander nature’s way.
Another pleasantly chilly morning with warm sunshine to balance the scales. Wispy Cirrostratus clouds furrowed the sky with a few fluffy cumulus lower down. As soon as I entered the park, I noticed how alive it was with birds. I’d definitely need some binoculars today.
In the Car Park I spotted a few Blue Tits, as well as a Chaffinch perched on the same Sycamore as yesterday. No comment as to whether it was the same Chaffinch. The other beautiful object to grace the sky was the Moon, just starting to wain from full but still presenting a great view of its mare, or lunar lowlands. A pair of binoculars gives a surprisingly detailed view.
Swallows and House Martins skimmed by as I headed to Large Copse, a Chiffchaff swooping skilfully into the heart of a patch of Bramble as I approached. The Hereford Cattle were happily grazing in Skipworth Meadow and had done a great job of trampling down some of the Wild Clematis at its margins. A few Pied Wagtail bobbed around at the feet of the cows and the bulky diamond-tailed form of a Raven flapped heavily overhead.
Entering the Drove I noticed Honey Bees and Buff Tailed Bumble Bees buzzing around a few patches of Ivy, making the most of its late season nectar supply. I noticed a Great Tit shoot from one tree to another as I scanned for more bird life. Three Magpies were on the wing but not much else save the odd Wood Pigeon. After glancing briefly at one I did a double take, noticing something different about its body form. A second inspection revealed it to be a Sparrowhawk. Nearly missed it.
I continued on through Centenary Meadow, my eyes and ears peeled. A few Meadow Pipits perched on an Elder to my right, a Green Woodpecker called to my left, and small groups of Goldfinches passed over above. Beyond on the downs a few Blackcaps were also about.
I returned to the Learning Centre, calling in to see the bird ringers as I passed. They’d caught a lot of good stuff today, including a Yellowhammer. Throughout my travels this morning I felt incredibly in tune with my surroundings. It’s not easy to put into words but I had a go.