A glorious morning, brilliant sunshine to the east and the pale, white, almost full moon to the west.
I was drawn down to the clifftops, the sea covered in small white caps, while bobbing on top were a few Shags. These long-necked birds flashing their yellow gapes as they turned their heads. Suddenly they dived and disappeared appearing a little later a few metres further down the coast.
On the cliffs the Guillemots were again present, over 150 perched on the rock, the gargling growling sound to be heard as I walked on the coast path above. The jostling and bonding could be seen through binoculars from the western end as I looked east.
A few bright yellow Gorse flowers added colour to the banks, whilst lots of dead heads of the years flowers could be seen, including the feather-like shaped Wood Sage, the round heads of Knapweed and the umbels of Wild Carrot. Tall erect cones of the Teasel surrounded in places by the furry Woolly Thistle and clumps of Burdock – still able to grab hold via the tiny hooks.
Near the lighthouse, a Meadow Pipit hops on the ground, a good view allowing comparison with the Rock Pipit which is strutting along the cliff edge. The difference in colour, legs, shape all fairly easily seen when they are this close together.
Through the woods and a Jay was in flight, while Goldfinches were flitting amongst the few remaining leaves of the Willow. Higher in the canopy the call of a Goldcrest caught my attention, this tiny bird eventually spotted on the twigs of the Elm.
As I write, looking out of the office window, two House Sparrows are inspecting the bird box, a Rabbit is grazing the grass by the weather station and a Robin is perched on the Bollard.