Beneath your notice, barely glanced
By other species, more “advanced”
Atop a face of bare limestone
The humble lichen makes its home
Their abode may seem quite harsh and vicious
But to the lichen, it’s most nutritious
The first sign of wildlife I discerned as I entered the park today was a Dunnock flitting across the entrance road. Blackbirds were in voice around the Car Park, with the occasional Robin pipping away. I think they’re sad that Christmas card season is over.
Heading out towards Large Copse I was pleased to see a small cluster of Glistening Ink Caps going decidedly inky by the log border of the footpath. Unfortunately there were no signs of the other fungi I’d expect at this time of year.
The most common companions of my journey today were Great Tits and Blue Tits. No matter where I looked and listened it seemed there were a couple of these birds setting up shop. I tried to avoid taking the alarm calls they uttered at my approach personally as I travelled to the gulley in search of other species. After passing a patch of Charlock I managed to spy a couple of Long Tailed Tits nestling in a Blackthorn. Sorry folks, best I could do.
I meandered my way down to the bottom of the Tilly Whim Caves, pausing for a moment there to listen to the sound of the waves. My eyes were drawn to the yellow lichens that crusted the rocks. They were crustiose with outwardly radiating lobes which I believe identifies them as Caloplaca aurantia. Correct me if I am wrong.
The birdlife of the cliffs were also active, with several Fulmars wheeling and circling with their usual alacrity. A Carrion Crow flared its wings for a gentle landing atop a patch of Tamarisk as a Peregrine Falcon sunned itself a little further along the path. Half a dozen Shags flew east and west as I continued, catching the unmistakable screech of a Jay from the Woodlands ahead. I also got to check on the Blushing Brackets proudly displaying themselves at Caravan Terrace.