Yesterday we inherited a carpet of turf (which will be repurposed) from a wonderful flora wedding in the Belvedere. After rolling up said turf I took a starlit stroll to the observation point. Under the cover of Holm Oak and sea stunted Elm came the sound of a Badger as it bounded away from me.
A Golden sunrise over the sea was a most welcome start to the day. A pair of joggers and a polite cyclist (whom now understands to use Bridleways in future) also enjoyed the sun along with our Bird Ringers. The later reported low capture numbers but included: Blackcaps, Chiff Chaffs, and Gold crests.
Out upon the wares I saw a bird fly up from a quarry hollow which then continued with ground hugging flight. At first I assumed it to be a Kestrel, however, further observance showed a dark grey back and then a flight into the cover of gully Sycamore. It was likely to have been a Merlin which has be reported by Mr. Murray in this location over past days.
Flying upslope were a pair of Pied Wagtails whilst upon the wires rested one Goldfinch and about a dozen Twite I believed. Goldfinch charms were again a key feature of the morning. Upon the upper mile marker a Raven gave its distinctive call.
Out upon the coastal slope I saw ten Feral Doves rise up from the coast path beyond Anvil Point. Male Great Tits put in appearances and a tiny Wren was first heard then seen upon bare Elder stems near the small copse.
Upon the quarry mounds in field 3 there was good heathy Scabious flowers in shorter sward. The spent dry stems of Yellow Rattle stood beside. I took interest in a parasol mushroom which had gills visible through its parasol. Indeed it was turning up at its edges like an umbrella blown against the wind. From nowhere set up a colourful Cock Pheasant followed by a Hen Pheasant after an interval. I caught sight of a pair of Jays in flight through the gully but it was upon the meadows where a Magpie duo were found investigating the grassland.
On my return I was just in time to see a Green Woodpecker set up from the anthill “city” corner of south field. Jackdaws of course seem to be ever-present amongst the costal slopes.