A Peregrine soars on icy air
While Blackbirds creep and chatter
Lichen grows like grey-green hair
And groups of Blue Tits scatter
Dawn was breaking as I set out to the park this morning. As the days get longer the sun will up earlier and earlier, so I made the most of the experience as I walked. In the woodlands Robins and Blackbirds were prolific as usual, with their songs fusing together to form a pleasant medley. I traversed familiar paths coated with fresh woodchip and lined with new log borders which put a smile on my face. It’s great to see work we’ve spoken about for so long finally taking place. The Yellow Brain Fungus was still on display, though somewhat diminished in size.
I also took a moment to examine a few of the Lichens I passed attached to our Holm Oaks. A closer inspection of a patch of Oakmoss revealed it to be in fact two different species. The fruticose Evernia prunastri (the one traditionally called Oakmoss), and the more fibrous Usnea subfloridana. Well how do you like that?
The call of a Green Woodpecker echoed across Long Meadow as I made my way up the path, the cumulus clouds beautifully illuminated by the rising sun. They parted briefly and afforded a momentary glimpse of Venus, fading rapidly with the advancing dawn. A White Saddle Fungus was sighted here recently, though I failed to spot it myself. Too busy staring at the heavens I’m afraid.
Several of my colleagues were departing for Thorncombe woods, with Greg pointing out a soaring Peregrine Falcon to me before I left. I didn’t take gloves, a decision I would soon regret.
Passing along the top of the Gulley, a group of 3 Long Tailed Tits were alighting on the scrub below me, a Wren joining them on their perch without any apparent issue. Down on the Clifftops the ledge was packed with Guillemots, with a few Herring Gulls and Fulmars about as well. Not a Shag in sight though.