A single dot among a trillion, adrift amid the stars
Not glowing white like Venus, nor tinted red like Mars
A telescope reveals this spec, and its exquisite pattern
Impossible, yet there it is, The natural wonder, Saturn
Last night I manned the Barbecue at the Wessex Astronomy Society social. In between flipping burgers I listened in on some amazing talks and caught a wonderful view of Saturn. It really is impossible to describe the experience of looking at it through a telescope. All I can do is encourage you to come to our next Stargazing on Saturday 7th of September and see for yourself.
My wildlife sighting began before even entering the park today, with a Roe Deer crossing my path as I scaled Peveril Road. Jays were calling from the woods as I passed and a heavy mist hung in the air making the morning feel pleasantly cool. A few Painted Ladies were out, perhaps seeking some sun.
The Car Park hosted Teasels, Meadow Barley, Yarrow and Ox Eye Daisy. I passed them by quickly and headed for the Woodlands, as yet unaware of the bounty I was about to receive, A single Ash leaf falling as I passed.
As soon as I entered I spied a few Plums and Custard, as well as what I believe were a few Pale Milkcaps reported by Kevin a few days ago. I made my way down a less trodden woodland path past a Laquered Bracket, its extraordinary “Sunrise” colouration on display. A few fresh King Alfreds Cakes had sprung up on the Woodchip Path, with the large Shaggy Bracket starting to look a bit long in the tooth. As I passed a patch of Enchanters Nightshade a sunbeam filtered through the canopy above through a cluster of bamboo and fell upon me. What a magical little moment.
Rounding the bottom of the woodland, a single Holm Oak leaf fell from a tall tree above. I heard the call of a passing Kestrel from Durlston bay as I resumed my fungi hunt, finding a suspected Chicken of the Woods as well as several Mystery Fungi. That’s right folks, Several. I’ll get ID’s to you as soon as I can.
Returning to the Learning Centre I passed a trio of Squabbling Grey Squirrels and the Ruins of a Rooting Bolete. The flesh was black and no doubt infested with maggots. I didn’t check. Back at base I ran into a certain bird man who reported Pied and Yellow Wagtails, Redstarts, Wheatears, Linnets and more. “All the usual migrants” was his phrasing. I wouldn’t know, I don’t look up