The Country Park this morning was encased in a low, warm, bright cloud, peering through it, blue sky and signs of a brighter day. My first wildlife encounter this morning was a beautiful Fox, this majestic auburn beauty was crossing Taskers footpath making its way East. Along the same path a Song Thrush was heard while male and female Blackbirds darted noisily up the path. Using this wildlife corridor were also Blue Tits, dancing along the tops of the Hawthorn trees and following me as I wondered along.
The constant honk of a Raven seemed to be followed by the call of a Carrion Crow emulating one another. A high-pitched call of a Wren rang out from the low-lying Bramble and leaf litter piles. The meadows were sparkling with silver morning dew as the sun broke through the fast-moving low mist, with this the top of the clouds coloured in a beautiful pink.
Dark maroon stems of Blackthorn, with sprinkles of green and yellow Lichen this morning held their plump fruits and beautiful drops of dew. Lots of dog walkers this morning, making the most of this lovely weather. On the ground spots of Clover and Knapweed added more purple/pink colour to the morning.
Stonechats sang out from the Gorse bushes on the downs, St Aldhelm’s head now slightly coming into view through the cloud. Goldfinches flew over as followed the South West Coast Path towards Anvil Point Lighthouse. Rounding the Lighthouse a wonderful view of a Black Redstart up on the short grass, while Rock Pipits we on the slopes of the gully. The Easterly breeze sent the sound of Guillemots across the gully, a happy sound of a tightly packed ledge.
Walking up past the mile markers I stopped suddenly as a Peregrine hurtled its way West following the contours of the cliffs, such a great view especially when you are above this magnificent bird of prey. Checking on the Herefords all happily munching their way across Lighthouse field, more Goldfinches flew over, Linnets were perched in the boundary trees of Hawthorn and Holm Oak and looking down a Leopard Slug made its way across the bare earth.
It is reaching the end of the Migration season now but Bullfinch, Linnet and Goldfinch were among the ringed birds this morning as well as a Sparrow Hawk.