The sound of a Raven captured my ears as I wandered across the meadow, the deep throaty croak echoing across the sky. A second Raven was perched on the cross pieces of the lower Mile Marker, while a few rungs below was a Carrion Crow, the size difference easy to see between theses two birds.
The gentle lilting call of a Dunnock was coming from amongst the thick Gorse – whose yellow flowers are now starting to bloom more strongly.
However, it was the cliffs that once again focussed my attention, as the growling of Guillemots was wafting up from the breeding ledge, which was jam packed with these chocolate brown and white birds. Mostly they were looking quite settled although on the outskirts of the group minor squabbles were taking place.
Finding these birds of the water is strange, one moment 30 can be seen, as you turn a corner they disappear as the light changes. When I finally managed to get good views there were 8 Razorbills mixed amongst the 40+Guillemots.
Three of the Razorbills were sporting their winter plumage with white heads leading into the thicker bill, the others very smart in the black and white plumage.
Swinging by the cliff were three Fulmars, I was able to spend a few great moments admiring these small Albatrosses.
A flock of Goldfinches flew above, a tinkling sound as they passed over, while a group of Meadow Pipits wandered around near the lighthouse.
In sunnydale, along one of the new paths a Cherry is flowering, delicate pale pink flowers, while the ground in places has the large leaves and almond scented flowers of Winter Heliotrope.
Last night the sound of Tawny Owls as they noisily seemed to be conducting a conversation from the meadows to the woods.