What sound is this that stirs my heart?
From which I’ve been so long apart?
A treasure found upon my stroll
A missing piece that makes me whole
Yearning so old it was forgotten
But from first note I’m fresh besotten
In England’s heart the Skylarks dwell
And now they’re part of me as well
The sun cast long shadows this morning as it made its clockwork ascent into the sky. My first port(s) of call were several suspected fungi sanctuaries, which I investigated with great interest. One of our woodchip piles was supporting fresh Blistered Cup, with a little bobbly Dogs Vomit Slime Mould insinuated into the mass of lignin. Yellow Brain Fungi were gracing a few fallen tree limbs and I was pleased to see that our Scarlet Elf Cup, Field Blewit and Velvet Shank species are still to be seen around the park.
The fleshy leaves of Lesser Celandine were increasingly prolific, hopefully soon to flower alongside our Spring Crocus, Daffodil and Primrose. The song of the Great Tit was near ubiquitous throughout my travels, the occasional Chaffinch, Dunnock and Wren chiming in to add a little tonal variety.
Out on the Meadows I did a double take as my ears took in an oh so familiar sound. A Skylark was rising into the air in full display, its song broadcast panoramically to one and all. I turned to gaze at the performer, only to get the full glare of the sun in my eyes for my carelessness. Remember to birdwatch responsibly folks.
Pausing at an Elder I took a closer look at the delicate emerging leaves gracing its branches. Soft shoots of green stood out against pale brown bark and broad patches of Common Orange Lichen.
After a comprehensive walkaround I returned up the Lighthouse Road, a Green Woodpecker crossing my path and drawing my eyes to the gentle loping of a Rabbit amid the Gorse. Wildlife Synergy ftw.