Finally, I found Early English Gentian above the measured mile markers and near the road. This is now our second confirmed patch. Today of the tiny, twenty purple trumpet flowers, only two had opened to the morning sun.
Today, I saw my first Stinking Iris flower at the edge of the Goat Plot. Here the sun was well reflected into a glitterball dazzle. Holm Oak leaves drifted from branches; however, fresh leaves and inflorescence were also seen. Just before entering the Goat Plot Extension, I saw a Roe Deer rise from the herb layer, only to disappear. Off then passing Jackdaw, a duo chose to pause upon a measure mile marker. Also heading east was a Cormorant flying high. I waded through ankle deep Blackthorn, Tor Grass, Hemp Agrimony, Honeysuckle and Bracken as I hoped to discover some reptiles. Not today! Thistles occupied a former bonfire site. Here Gorse held more seed pods than flowers, as well as hosting climbing glossy leaved Black Bryony. Flying just above the treetops at the edge was a solo Swallow. Less pleasing was the discovery of two Brown Tailed Moth caterpillar nursery tents.
Beside the diagonal path a Sow Thistle flower sat like a childlike picture of the sun. Bittersweet was amongst Gorse and Tamarisk held catkins …still. I noticed Apple Blossom amongst scrub at the Gully Mouth below the Lighthouse. Here too was a great carpet of Kidney Vetch. A Fulmar made an appearance offshore as I ascended to the Lighthouse where “Wild” Gladioli was in flower. Wild Clary was also out, and a trio of Green Winged Orchids were upon part of the “green”. Puffballs, the largest the size of two tennis balls, were seen upon the “mound”.
A Blackbird was briefly seen ahead on the shelter road to the Horseshoe Bridge. Elderflower appeared around head level where it raised above the bridge parapet. The sound of a Light Aircraft and Skylark were heard as Yellow-rattle was noted on the upslope scramble. Three Speckled Wood were seen in flight near the Small Copse.