As I woke up this morning I was treated to a beautiful sunrise. The strong blood orange hues fading to shades of red and pink as it rose above the contrasting dark cloud shrouding the sky. Surrounding the garden, a soft symphony of Robins, Chaffinches, Blue Tits and a Wren could be heard, alongside the happy chirps of House Sparrows. Sounding excited by what the day will bring. The harsh call of a distant Jay making itself known from Reservoir Copse.
By the Learning Centre, me and Cat were met by countless flocks of 100-200+ Woodpigeons whirring above our heads as they flew towards sea. Distinguishable by a myriad of clapping wings as they took off past Long Meadow. Little did we know it wouldn’t be the last time we’d encounter these large flocks! As we made our way towards the Castle, many Corvids seemed to love being in pairs. Two Carrion Crows, Magpies and Jays were all moving between the Holm Oaks and dense scrub. In a Sycamore, two Jackdaws were proudly perched, one holding its prized acorn. Signs of autumn still clung on with English Elm and Sycamore still baring rows of vibrant yellow-brown leaves. A male Blackbird sang quietly from the Sycamore’s branches. The Sycamore leaves dabbled by the black spots of Tar Spot fungus.
The rustle of a Grey Squirrel caught our attention, rummaging attentively through the ivy-covered ground presumably for a cash of acorns. An avenue of Teasel seed heads greeted us as we walked towards the Globe. Looking out, the Isle of Wight was clearly silhouetted against the pale orange horizon.
Along the coast path, a Herring Gull glided effortlessly on the wind and a Great Black-backed Gull could be seen perched on the clifftop edge. The bright orange berries of Stinking Iris, the brown-golden Tamarisk branches and yellow flowers of European Gorse added a splash of colour along the path. As we headed West, we noticed 30+ Guillemots bobbing on the water and further along around 50+ were huddled together at Guillemot Ledge, taking some well-deserved shelter from the wind. By Tilly Whim again no Black Redstart in sight but, around half a dozen Gannets, eight Kittiwakes and Shags flew low out at sea heading West.
As we headed back to the Learning Centre, the melodious calls of a Song Thrush could be made out from the Woodland, from which we saw some Hart Tongue’s Fern and what we believe was a Waxcap fungi species. Also seen across the Park were some Long-tailed Tits, a Chiffchaff, Skylarks and the soft sound of Bullfinches.