The sky holds rearing mountains, furrowed fields and seas of blue
Mackerel scales spread out in trails above the morning dew
Lenses, blankets, halo’s too, a million forms they hold
Ethereal mist doth turn and twist, a marvel to behold
The sun was obscured behind a low bank of cloud as I ascended into the park this morning. Ducking in to the Woodlands I was glad to see more fresh growth, with abundant Jack-in-the-Pulpit, Herb Robert and Winter Heliotrope colonising the ground with renewed vigour. Yellow Ear Fungi were flourishing at various locations and a few berries borne by Ivy and Madder were to be seen as well. I took an interest in a patch of Moss growing on a log, taking a sample in the hopes of ID’ing it later. One trip down a very deep rabbit hole later and I believe it’s a Glittering Wood Moss.
A few Altocumulus were spread over the blue sky, the “ploughed field” rows of cloud arranged in beautiful patterns and tinted pink by the sunrise. Crossing the Car Park down to the castle I saw Great Tits fluttering amid stems of Dogwood. Young Ash saplings were poking up through the leaf mulch of the timeline and I spied a small Grey Coral Fungus skulking behind a sign.
Goldfinches and Chaffinches were gathering around Caravan Terrace, alighting in the trees below the bridge and twittering away happily. Out over the water A few Shags struggled gamely against the strong wind, their wings flapping even faster than usual as they fought to make progress westward.
Passing The Great Globe I noticed a Velvet Shank protruding from a stump that had been seeded with eco-plugs. Though the plant had died the fungus was apparently unaffected. One man’s meat is another man’s poison.
The Woods above the Castle provided a quiet respite as I headed towards the Diagonal Path, the welcome shelter of the trees keeping the wind at arms length. A sudden burst of song from a Blackbird emanated from behind a few Bay trees, as well as the soft trills of a few Robins.
I plodded on past the lighthouse and returned via the road, pausing for a moment at the bridge over the Gulley to listen. I caught a few snatches of a Song Thrush, immediately recognisable even from a scarce few notes. Bravo.