A House Sparrow flew across my path as I head out towards to meadows. I noticed both Field Maple and Hawthorn whilst Ash was far behind with leaf development. A flush of Cowslips stood out in South Field, however, numbers increasing as I headed west through the sunny meadows.
The carpet of Adder’s Tongue Ferns (2 to 3 cm tall) were outside of the grazing unit in Saxon Field. Also undisturbed by the Herford Cattle were Early Purple and Early Spider Orchids in flower. The Skylark song became increasingly apparent as the wind caused the taller herb layer to dance.
A Red Admiral stopped to bask in the sun upon a stone on the east to west drove. Beneath the protection of Hawthorn, Bluebells flowered. Near Centenary I thought I heard to evocative call of Curlew. Last week I had seen one along the coast!
A visit to the pond in Johnston Meadow showed minimal open water, however, this favoured Bog Bean which showed a wealth of white flowers. At the edge a half dozen Cuckoo’s Pint / Lady’s Smock added to the display. There were two patches of plucked Woodpigeon feathers at the margin. These suggested a bird kill.
Approaching the Upper Gully, a scratchy Whitethroat was heard, and a male Stonechat clearly seen. A dark hairy stem and yellow flower was held by a couple of Charlock plants whilst Wild Clary showed bluish flowers and Pale Flax held flowers nearby. Wayfaring Trees held domed compound blooms which had a slight scent only upon very close inspection!
This morning’s highlight was to see a Yellow Hammer on the park. It so obviously contrasted again the green sward in the Upper Gully. Nearby tiny Milkwort flowers showed blue with a hint of white upon the thin soils of quarry spoil. Fresh, glossy heat shaped leaves of Black Bryony climbed through its host. Beside Lighthouse Road Bridge the Pear Tree was seen to be blossoming with light leaf cover.
A Sycamore seedling held a pair of pale declining linear “seed leaves” beneath a pair of healthy typical leaves. Flying over scrub cover were a pair of Long Tailed Tits adding to a splendid morning walk!