In the cold the reliable Carrion Crows, Robins and Magpies were seen and heard. Of course the greatest small bird activity was at the interface of grassland and scrub. The later giving cover, protection and views into the former for foraging and territory declarations. On the roadside verge at the base of some Elms and female Blackbird appeared frozen but in fact just determined. Alongside Long Meadow the vivid red / plum stems of Dogwood looked ideal for crafts and basketry. Bushy beard like Lichen decorated otherwise bare branches. At the entrance off Solent Road a male Blackbird investigated the turf encroached tarmac for grubs. Out of the road side Laurel burst forth a trio of Woodpigeon. I squeezed through the kissing gate where dense Privet grew above head height. On the roadside edge of Smithfield a vibrant green flush of invasive Montbreccia made me wonder if the cattle might eat it.
Upon entering the Aviaries a castle bound Raven flew overhead calling. Here I was reminded that this was a planted landscape with Box, Privet, Laurel, Monterey Cyprus and Black Pine evident. I chose to explore the woodland winterbourne which flowed to a point, disappear then occasionally reappear with puddles and flows. Hidden amongst the trees we have two superb stone calliper bridges each having two rectangular passages. Beside the wooden coast path bridge another green ground flush of leaves revealed Three Cornered Leek with its garlic scent. A mature London Plane with its scaly bark at first appeared to have an intruder growing from its base. However, the smooth barked specimen was simply a secondary younger trunk yet to develop scales! Laurel displayed fruits and buds whilst a Rhododendron showed but the stamens of a long gone flowers. Batchelor’s button fungi appeared in a fleshy form on a holm Oak log, looking a little like liquorice.
Yesterday one of regular visitors brought in a Teasel head which he had opened. Inside was the tunnels and frass (poop) of a vegetation boring grub of an as yet unidentified caterpillar or beetle!