As I began my early patrol there was a very pleasant slight autumn chill in the air – which was gone an hour later!
The small birds flitting from bush to bush ensure my binoculars (and arms) got a good work out from the constant raising and lowering! Wonderful views of Spotted Flycatchers probably my highlight, their busyness as they moved up, down, sideways and back again.
Competing for top spot was a Yellowhammer, bright yellow against the brown sloe covered Blackthorn, and the Wheatear which was standing on the capper of a dry-stone wall, the dark eye mask easily admired.
Lots of Common Whitethroats (30+) and a Lesser Whitethroat, a male Blackcap, some Bullfinches, Stonechats, a Sedge Warbler and a Garden Warbler provided more interest, as did the Chiffchaffs.
Landing on a Wayfaring Tree was a Tree Pipit while overhead all three Wagtails were heard (and seen) – Grey, Yellow and Pied.
In the gully a Roe Deer pair could just ben made out the male paler, while the brighter ginger of the female showed more against the pale brown of the dead grasses. A second male was in the far fields while another female bounded across the downs.
The butterflies are still in flight, with lots of Adonis Blues (24 seen on yesterday’s west transect) many still vivid turquoise, although others now looking tatty. Meadow Brown, Small Heath and Speckled Wood as to the list as did Large White and Red Admiral.
Basking on a stone was a tiny Common Lizard while nearby the remains of a Slowworm, two puncture wounds showing on its body.
The late flowers include the strange Autumn Ladies Tresses orchid, a delicate white spiral of flowers growing up the stem often only 2” tall. Carline Thistle, Burnet Saxifrage, Dwarf Thistle and Centuary, plus the spikes of Agrimony.
Also a report from an early climber of a Dolphin passing by the lighthouse.