In the garden a Blue Tit emerged from a hedge whilst a pair of Goldfinch perched in the Buddleia. I saw few flocks of small birds in flight. Thirty flew east along the coastal ridge, others darted over the meadows and hedgerows, but one was undoubtably a charm of thirty Goldfinches. House Martins were occasional until I saw them over Haysom and Jack Baiss Meadows. Here another thirty birds flew over the two-separate heard of Hereford cattle. The twanging of a bush indicated some browsing was taking place. It was a disappointment to see several gates left part open / closed when we struggle to contain livestock at this time. A Chaffinch perched upon scrub cloaked in the “pom, pom” like seed clusters of Old Man’s Beard.
In Holcombe Meadow a Hen Pheasant flew along the hedgerow before crossing it and disappearing in the neighbour’s field. In the shade of a moss wearing drystone wall stood a few Dandelion seed clocks. I set up nine Wood Pigeon from Herren Ground. Green Woodpecker, Raven and Cockerel were heard. Alongside the drove the trill of a hidden Wren was heard. Before I headed back facing the risen sun, I noted a waning crescent moon in the sky. Bare clay patches held dog and boot prints.
Near Saxon’s Hay Rake Quarr plenty of short stemmed Ox Eye Daisies bloomed. Beside Wild Thyme the pinkish buds of a Centaury were yet to open. Self-Heal showed blue amongst patches of bare soil and stone. Of course, Knapweed, Field Scabious, Yarrow, Red Clover, Ragwort and Hawksbeard showed a few flowers in non-grazed or uncut margins. Empty Six Spot Burnet moth cocoons could still be found.
Then pond in Centenary held more water at the base of Reed stems. Small leaves of Water Lilly floated upon the surface of open water. A Bogbean stem stood flowerless. It was a pleasant surprise to see a Speckled Wood basking in the sun upon the dry-stone wall beside the Small copse. A corner Ash held dry leaves and masts whilst a less exposed neighbour held fresher leaves but no masts. Whilst a Swallow flew over the centre a Robin sang snippets from the roof.
LATE REPORT : possible sighting of a Sea Eagle - approx 11.30am, seen over the sea just off the clifftop path. - awaiting photos...