On yesterday’s walking commute I observed that silage was being harvested elsewhere. The late evening return walk benefited from a moonlit sky and the company of Bats on the Priest’s Way. Recently I observed that Horse Chestnut fruits (Conkers) have formed on a tree beside Long Meadow.
A Grey Squirrel was seen for a change upon the Centre bird hide roof. No doubt intending to benefit from the bird feeders. A pair of young Blue Tits foraged amongst Hawthorn and Honeysuckle, with the birds clinging on upside down at times. A Kestrel hovered over the edge Reservoir Copse and Skipworth Meadow before moving on. In the meadow Tufted Vetch flowers competed with Bracken fronds for light.
Agrimony flowers spikes showed ascending blooms, such that lower flowers had gone over whilst upper ones still yellow petals. Within the Large Copse Garlic Mustard held seed pods. The Privet Hedgerow along taskers southern edge showed white flowers. Elsewhere, Bumble Bees visited the white flowers upon Bramble.
In Saxon the Adders Tongue Fern were safe on the un-grazed side of the electric fence. The Herford Cattle had left spent stems and leaves of Cowslips untouched and Red and White Clover as well as Horse Shoe Vetch persisted amongst the grazed sward.
Common Spotted, Pyramidal and Bee Orchids were still to be found flower on both meadows and downland.
Today the sun was seen behind cloud and there was a refreshing cool breeze. Despite these “mellow” conditions a few butterflies were on the wing about the undulations of the Wares. There were four Marbled Whites and pair of Meadow Browns although the later were also represented in the meadows of course! One Red Admiral appeared on the limestone landscape. Between grass blades a swarm of spider mites in a nursery tent danced to my puff of breath. A Footman Moth was amongst those day flying moths disturbed. A pair of breakfasting human campers upon the wares were politely reminded of our no camping policy, although they had fulfilled their overnight stay!
Near the Mile Markers I heard the “clucks” of Jackdaws and the call of a male Stonechat from amongst Gorse cover.