Immediately, I went to check the water trough in 10a. Yesterday afternoon I found it dry and indeed not even turned on. Although easily switched on, being empty it was at risk of being moved, even disconnected by thirsty cattle. At most five Hereford Cows put their heads into the trough, desperately drinking the water as fast it flowed. Fortunately, the trough was still in place and full. The Hereford calves could not reach the water, if the level dropped, however, they would rely on their mother’s milk. A reminder to all, check, check, check!
Upon the coastal slope the see of grass reached my elbows and sent dusty pollen into the air. Amongst the grasses were Yorkshire Fog and Coltsfoot. Growth was such that parts of the downland resembled the meadows tall sward. Grazing upon the gully slopes was on Roe Deer. The mammal, near the mile markers, was observed for some time several hundred metes away. Eventually it looked over in shoulder to monitor me observing it.
Plenty of yellow flowers were out with even Yellow Rattle and Bulbous Buttercup were abundant in the downland. Jack Go Bed at Noon (Meadow salsify) held flowers both open and closed. Agrimony had open some of its flower spike of some yellow blooms. Yellowwort’s yellow petals were just visible but no flowers open, whereas Ragwort stems become taller. Spear Thistle and Woolly Thistle had vibrant leaf growth but only Greater Knapweed showed a thistle like flower.
Offshore an immature Gannet flew west, close to the cliffs. Goldfinches, Jackdaws, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Chiff Chaff and male Pheasant were either seen and or heard.
Today, an additive was added to the wildlife pond to control algae growth. A Small Blue Damselfly was seen as was in shed aquatic nymphal skin, the latter upon a stem that poked out of the water. A solitary Smooth Newt was seen in the water and today an ant colony dominated the sheet under white reptiles had previously been found. Gatekeepers and Adonis Blue butterflies were seen on the wing, along with a Speckled Wood. Back at the office a coppiced Buddleia, had already grown near two metre (enough to tickle the bird box) although no sign of any flowers. “Tzeeing” indicated a Greenfinch nearby.