An air of peace abounds this morn and all the world seems new
The restful night fades with the light and life comes in to view
Birds sing and soar, bright flowers bloom with no sign of distress
A gentle breeze blows by and the warm sun lends its caress
Exiting the door of the learning centre I began my morning misadventure, heading out towards the Meadows to see what was what. Again, we have been blessed with good weather with the sunlight feeling pleasantly warm on my skin even this far from midday. The birds were a little shy at first and while I couldn’t see them, I heard the strains of Robins, Whitethroats, Chaffinches, Chiffchaffs and a Skylark not too far beyond them. A Linnet was stood brazenly in the path with a mouth full of invertebrates. I stood and watched it for a few moments before it bobbed away.
I continued on with ears pricked past clusters of Cowslips, thickening patches of Crow Garlic and fluttering Speckled Wood butterflies. Arriving at the dew pond I spied a Goldfinch tinkling away in the surrounding scrub, with Great Tits and Blue Tits also nearby and gleefully singing.
The ground here was becoming increasingly alive with orchids and I noted a growing density of Early Purple with a few Early Spider thrown in as I reached the top of the Downs. Chalk Milkwort sat beneath their spears, adding a gentle blue to the extravagant colours of its taller neighbours.
Returning via the Lighthouse road I continued to be soothed by the peaceful air of the morning. As I walked I caught a few half familiar notes and I trained my binoculars on their source. A Willow Warbler I believe. Where’s Greg when you need him?
P.S. for those still waiting with bated breath for the ID of the Mystery Fungi I mentioned a little while ago, It’s a Wrinkled Fieldcap.