A chilly morning, with flurries of snow whirling out of a skyscape ranging from bright orange, steel grey to pale blue. Surprisingly clear out to sea, with the Isle of Wight briefly illuminated by the rising sun.
Among the muted gold and winter-faded green of the downs, the few splashes of colour seem all the brighter. The vivid red-orange berries of a patch of Cotoneaster at the top of the Gully stand out from many yards away. Although a useful winter food source for birds, this introduced species can be rather invasive, so we will be keeping an eye on it to see if it needs managing, to protect the species-rich grassland around it.
Ivy is also still in berry in the hedgerows, along with some shrivelled Sloes, Hawthorn berries and a tangle of Old Man's Beard.
The weird dark purple Ear Fungus (looking much like it sounds!) can be seen on an Elder near the quarr in the Saxon Field, with orange Witches Butter, Artist's Bracket, Candlesnuff Fungus and Dead Man's Fingers seen on fallen logs in the woods.
Jays and Grey Squirrels both busy among the Holm Oaks in the woodland this morning. As we were digging woodchips out of the heap yesterday, to mulch the new plantings in the woodland, we came across several stashes of glossy brown acorns, stored away for later! Apparently Grey Squirrels will 'fake' burying an acorn if they think they are being watched! This morning, Robin and Song Thrush are picking over the newly turned heap.
In Sunnydale, Snowdrops and Spring Crocuses are starting to bloom, with Daffodils also on the brink of flowering.
Above Long Meadow, a flock of 30+ Woodpigeon clatter by, with a Green Woodpecker bobbing alongside the path, with his distinctive 'bouncy' flight. High above the Holm Oaks, a pair of Ravens croak to each other.
Also seen or heard this morning, Blackcap, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits.