The tree lies fallen on the ground, it lived and now it’s dead
But the light that shines
From these declines
Will raise two in its stead
Another quiet morning today with just the barest suggestion of a breeze rustling the leaves of the Woodland as I entered. Scattered calls from Jays, Blue Tits, Goldfinches and Robins were all audible, and I was happy to see the Yellow Brain Fungus still in full display.
Heading out to Large Copse I spied a Mystery Fungi residing on the bark of an Elder, ID coming soon hopefully. Less mysterious were the Jelly Ear further along the trackway, and a few Shaggy Ink Cap emerging from piles of manure. The cry of a Green Woodpecker resounded from far away, cutting through the background strains of Blackbirds and the odd Wood Pigeon.
I skirted the Gulley as I headed towards the sea but failed to spy any further interesting birdlife, just the usual suspects. The cliffs were more lively however, with a good crop of Guillemots in residence on their ledge. A Fulmar coasted smoothly past with the bulkier form of a Greater Black Backed Gull following a little way behind. Large groups of Jackdaws loitered with intent on path, tree and wall, waddling across the ground or making short flights from perch to perch.
I scanned the cliffs for raptors but couldn’t discern any. Raising my binoculars I trained them on one of their favourite perching spots and brought it into focus. Smack in the middle of my view was a Peregrine Falcon, its camouflage fooling my unassisted eyes perfectly. Lucky I’m not a small tasty bird.
I made my way back to the Learning Centre via the Woodland path. As I walked by Grey Squirrels raced up tree trunks, Magpies took wing and disappeared between the trunks and pretty much anything else alive that could move cleared off. It was hard not to feel like an interloper. Beside the path were a few patches of Glistening Ink Cap and Candlesnuff Fungus. Ah, my beloved fungi, you would never abandon me, would you?