Dandelions in winter, whatever will come next?
Snow in summer? Spuds in spring? Who knows what to expect?
Soon the winter winds will scatter seeds to who knows where?
And next year winter Dandelions will be a bit less rare.
I began with another jaunt through the Woodlands, taking a few detours into the undergrowth here and there in search of fungi. I spotted a lot of young Privet emerging, but the fungi were less prolific, with a single Yellow Brain Fungus being my only find. A lot of Blue Tits were in voice, their myriad tunes providing the illusion of more species being present.
A few Long Tailed Tits flitted along the hedgerows of Long Meadow, with a few Robins, a Blackbird and a Grey Squirrel or two also about. Further along in Saxon Field several cow pats supported a smattering of Cheilymenia fimicola, and a highly unseasonal Dandelion was displaying its seeds. Apparently, they can tell the time but not the date.
I headed more or less directly for the Gulley, where the song of a Chaffinch was clearly audible, even over the particularly enthusiastic screeching of a rowdy Jay. I carried on round, skirting above the Gulley, noticing the sound of a large form shifting amongst the scrub. Perhaps a Roe Deer? I also spied what I believe was a Song Thrush, resting momentarily on the ground before disappearing to parts unknown.
The seabirds of Durlston were out in force, with a few elegant Fulmars, somewhat less elegant Shags and a most healthy supply of Guillemots. There were over 100 on the ledge, around 130 on the water with 12 Razorbills thrown in for good measure as well.
Returning to the Learning Centre I caught sight of a Kestrel hovering above the Overflow Car Park. I was momentarily taken away by the majesty of this sight, but then something far more interesting caught my attention. Along on of our Woodland paths I noticed the characteristic pale orange form of a few Velvet Shank fungi. I’ve been waiting a long time, good to have you here at last.