The half-moon was prominent between the speckled clouds and blue sky this morning. A Robin was my first spot, its red breast looking quite dull next to the bright red of the nearby Rosehips. Above a Buzzard flew over Taskers it’s wingspan wide as it glided high. Blackbirds were rustling within the Brambles and Chiffchaff, Wagtails and Sparrows flew between the treelined path.
Our annual hay cut has started across the meadows and as the dry grass lays waiting to be turned and bailed new growth is appearing below. A beautiful charm of Goldfinches flew over, a delightful sound and sight.
Walking down the North South Drove I was surrounded by the sounds and sights of an abundance of Blackcaps, Blue Tits, Wheatear, Warbler and Chiffchaff.
A familiar face of a Robin called out, I’m sure it has been following me around on my walk. Checking on our Hereford cattle, they were all happily munching on the short grass. White heads and brown bums poked out of the scrub as the cows chewed their way through the tasty fresh Ivy leaves.
At the top of Lighthouse field a Stonechat was perched on a windblown Hawthorn tree, beneath which the bright yellow of Common Toadflax shone in the morning sun.
The last few days have seen an explosion of Large Whites and Small Whites often seen near the Buddleia at the Castle and Learning Centre, but no Southern Small White yet!
Also seen on the Park today 2 Merlin, a Nuthatch, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Pied Flycatcher, Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat, Pied Wagtail, Grey Wagtail and lots of Siskin.