A slight wet start to the day with plenty of slipping and rude squelching noises underfoot. Dried Bracken fronds had dropped over with the aid of wind and rain. Just before South Field gateway a Field Maple held onto a quarter of its leaves. Those remaining leaves were furthest from the direction of the prevailing wind. At this spot the Blackthorn alongside wore only Branching Lichen and Sloes. At the opposite side of the field in the lea of the wind the Blackthorn held Brown, Green and Yellow leaves.
Just inside Saxon Field the Badger latrine had fresh deposits and a couple of Greater Knapweed flowers were still to be seen nearby. Hay Rake Quarr’s margin had Cotoneaster with red fruits and a mixture of dark a pale leaf. Over the old quarry working flew a Green Woodpecker which perched within the branches of an Elder bush. Rosehips dangled from a half inch diameter main stem which stood upright through a patch of Blackberry. From the Quarr I enjoyed views of much of the Isle of Wight and new Milton despite the cloud being just above. Within the field Red Clover, Yarrow and Goats Beard showed flowers although the latter’s flowers were closed. The mustard coloured Wild Parsnip held seeds only.
As I approached Saxon’ soogy Sycamore corner spindly Blackthorn stems knocked against each other in the wind. I took great care no the slide on the wet, churned clay. Between leafless branches the pied feathers of a Magpie were easily seen. Another soon appeared beside its companion. In heard the score or so of Hereford Cattle in Ox Eye Meadow using rasping tongues to tear leaves off branches that obscured dry stone walls. During my cattle count I had to be content with seeing only the rumps of those animals with much of their bodies hidden in scrub.
At Lighthouse Green eight of fourteen Jackdaws were upon the tarmac road surface. Over the gully the electric line wires provide a temporary roost for twelve Goldfinches. Our Bird Ringers were delighted to hear a Water Rail calling beside the rainfall replenished wildlife pond. Amongst the species captured (and released!) were: Goldcrest, Blackcap, Linnet, Chiff Chaff. Meanwhile they reported Redwing passing over head. Apparently, a trio of Gannets were close to the sea cliffs to be seen without binoculars.