A Sparrowhawk moving across the sky was my first wildlife sight of the morning. The movement ‘flap-flap-glide’ catching my attention against the dull grey sky, which was tinged with a pink and blue extremity.
The Sparrowhawk continued to move in the same fashion as I watched, only changing once it reached a higher height where it plateaued on circled round.
A Raven soared eastwards, a loud croak making me look up at it, taking in this largest of all our crow family as it went, the triangular tail, long fingered wings and heavy throat all showing well.
A few Wood Pigeons moving through, flying above the Country Park in a flock of 50 or so added to the airborne interest this morning.
On the ground sheltering against the dull brown hedgerow comprising of Brambles, Blackthorn and Old Mans’ Beard were two Roe Deer, one smaller than the other, their dull brown coats blending in superbly. It was only the outline of their ears and head above the hedge-line that initially showed their presence.
In amongst the scrub, the winter arrivals of thrushes have taken place, with Redwings feeding on the remaining berries and fruits. These birds showing the flash of red under their wings as they landed on the branches of the Hawthorn tree, the speckled chests adding to the interest while the pale yellow stripe just above their eye makes them easy to distinguish from the other thrushes (Song and Mistle) when seeing the view of the head only.
Down to the coast to inspect the clearance taking place, opening up the pathway to help reduce the amount of mud (it will dry quicker) and to increase the amount of grassland which is good for butterflies and other insects. Hopping in the remaining Blackthorn (of which there is lots) was a Stonechat, whose orange breast was not as pronounced as during the breeding season. A Wren and a Dunnock were also using the scrub as a perch.