Bright sunshine greeted the early patrol, and with it came insects galore.
Flitting above the flowers and grasses in the meadows the red and black, Six-spot Burnet Moth, a buzz of activity alongside some butterflies including Small Skipper, the even smaller Lulworth Skipper and the black and white Marbled Whites.
The white umbel flower of Wild Carrot attracting a eight different species of insects – 2 hoverflies, 2 flies, 2 beetles, an ichneumon wasp and a solitary bee.
Swooping and skimming just above were Swallows, a superb view of these dashing birds, some with long tail plumes, always amazing to watch.
Gently nibbling on the leaves of the Bramble was a Roe Deer, the ginger coat reflecting in the bright sunshine, another much smaller deer, stood nearby.
Sitting on the grass was as Fox, looking in good condition with a white brush tipping its tail.
The many yellow flowers to enjoy include Yellow Rattle, Agrimony (tall spikes), Dyer’s Greenweed (has very dark green leaves), Hop Trefoil (10mm lemon balls), Black Medic (smaller darker balls), and Rough Hawkbit (bit like a hairy Dandelion)!
A brilliant male Bullfinch, followed by a duller female flew towards the Elder whose flower are now turning to seed. Skylarks were singing loudly from perches along the hedgerow, while families of Goldfinches, Linnets and Stonechats flitted and called from the Blackthorn and Gorse.
Last night, was a wonderful star filled, but moonless night, and a good opportunity to check on the Glow-worms, 26 females, glowing an amazing green and 1 male counted, mostly clambering and waving from the tops of grasses.