A grey and overcast start to the day, but as I headed off on my patrol, the sky was filled with Swallows and in amongst them a smattering of Sand Martins. The Swallows with slightly longer wings and a more glossy look when compared with the more triangular shaped and duller textured Martins.
Along the hedgerow a wonderful bright yellow stand of Fleabane in bloom, the central and outside petals a contrast to its almost greyish furry stems and leaves.
Above the scrub a Sparrowhawk was gliding, the wide wings and longish banded tail allowing for identification, as did its action of chasing after a flock of Meadow Pipits which were passing by. Having buzzed them the Sparrowhawk then flapped and glided slowly out of sight.
Patches of Hawthorn are covered in a thick layer of red haw berries, huge numbers to hopefully attract and provide food to passing birds. Taking off from one of these was a Red Admiral butterfly, which as it did so, disturbed a Meadow Brown which was resting on the nearby leaf.
A Roe Deer watched a I walked along the field edge, the tan pelage blending in with its background, but when it turned and moved its large white powder puff rump flashed as if trying to attract my attention.
The squawk of a Jay alerted me to its presence, and I was able to enjoy a great view as it gently flapped along, the blue flash on the wing visible, as was its bright wite rump.
A couple of Ravens were discussing from the top of the Mile marker posts, the loud croaking could be heard easily.
An interesting selection of what to me are unusual shaped flowers, include the two-tone yellow of the Common Toadflax, the dull pink of Red Bartsia and the round globules of Hop Trefoil are to be found across the National Nature Reserve. There are many more plants with the odd one or two still blooming – Pale Flax, Marjoram, Yarrow and Sea Aster.