The combination of cloudless sky, rising sun and dew encrusted meadows created many miniature ground level illuminations. Those spiders webs set out to capture ground crawling insects were made so more obvious by the water droplets. Snail trails were evident upon a damp proof membrane laid out near Ranger Rest. Mist hung in the valley along Southcliffe road and around the edges of Smithfield.
A pair of Grey Squirrels shot out of the tree cover but their pursuit over the open car park surface halted upon seeing myself. In Smithfield another Squirrel walk the “beam” of a gate to get between hedgerows. In Centenary I discovered a new to me Badger latrine which suggested something other than berries had entered the mammal’s diet.
Our Goldfinch congregations continued to be seen in charms of a dozen to a score upon tree crowns and hedgerows. A Raven called unseen from the coastal Aviaries Woodland cover. Silently a Jay flew over the drove, however, the tiding of Magpies were most vocal. Two groups came together and thus calls of all fourteen filled the air. Perched in a sycamore crown were eight Linnets.
Ragwort, Fleabane and Hawksbit all exhibited yellow flowers in places. Bristly Ox Tongue displayed both flowers and fluffy seed heads to set upon the wind. Four separate butterflies passed me such that they could not be identified. The hum of flying insects could be heard around the margins of copses amongst which were Wasps.
Whilst taking the weather Reading University Technians launched a meteorological balloon. The white orb rose into the with a whirling helicopter rota below presumably helping to keep its ascent straight. On a 30 metre long tether the measuring devices were suspended below.
Today’s diary has been brief due to preparations for An Animation Workshop and a superb Friends of Durlston Bottle store. With the latter you are likely to get a bargain win with five tickets for a pound. I hope the table will hold up under the weight of the bottle.