I headed to the woodland to check for any wind damaged trees. On the way a Charm of Goldfinches flew over the car parks. Walking our new Long Meadow “link path” I went under Silver Birch branches bearing Witches Burrs. A determined of the hiker had breakfast laid out on a picnic table. At the path’s woodland intersection fresh dry-stone walls were creeping up steadily. Under the shade of the Holm Oak canopy a Grey Squirrel scampered across the bare ground. From “Rest & Admire” a pair of Herring Gulls heading west over the undercliff.
Upon the sea towards Peveril Point a score of unidentified Gulls rafted upon the sea, however, the flew up when a rolling wave threatened to transport them to the rocky shore. It looked as though a Shag was nearby which suggested fishing potential there. A pair Jackdaws flew past towards the Castle. A few Buddleia flowers were upon relatively young bushes amongst a walling work site. Near Solent Road a Raven was heard which was soon seen flying past calling as it went seawards. Half a dozen Carrion Crows congregated on the leaf litter coast path before eventually perching up in branches. It was an unseen Jay that squawked from the woodland cover. Leaves were still held by Ash, Beech, Elm, Hazel, Sycamore and Plane. Of the later even fresh leaf growth was at shoulder height on the tall slender truck. Only unconnected small puddles were in the Winterbourne which would be to the relief of colleagues working in it today. Horse Chestnut had fresh sticky buds whilst Snowberry held a few white fruits. Common Daisies and a Buttercup flowers decorated the green carpet of “tennis court glade”. Harts Tongue fern and the path were beginning to be camouflaged by leaf fall. By the Egyptian seat there was the musky scent of Fox.
Long Meadow had some Red Clover flowers. Amongst the hedgerow of Blackthorn and Privet stands of Elm protruded through. One stand was leafless and dead but adorned with Branching Lichens, the other alive with autumn leaves. Many small birds were heard such a sing and tutting Robins but only one Blue Tit appeared from cover. Of course, a Blackbird gave an alarm call. At the Wildlife Garden a couple of young Cherry trees were being wind shaken.