A chilly breezy start, with dark grey clouds over the rough grey and white water.
The cliffs were a calling, and as I peered over the glass engraved ‘word-birds’ interpretation a Raven was looking back at me. This large black corvid, showing off its glossy feathers and shaggy mane, as it stood on the cliff edge. Hopefully it will find a good nesting spot in the woodland and away from the cliffs.
Looking through the binoculars at the seething grey water, not a single Guillemot or Razorbill in attendance, with non on the cliffs either.
However as I swept the glasses across the water the long necked shape of a Cormorant flashed by, the white splodge under its wing showing very well. This makes Cormorants very easy to distinguish from the similar Shags at this time of year, (alongside the larger size, slightly bluer tinge to the feathers, smoother shaped head and slightly different flight movements!!) plus of course the Shag has a couple of wispy feathers acting as a crest at this time of year.
The piping call of a Rock Pipit caught my ear, just as this small speckled grey bird nipped over the edge to perch on the top of the large rock which says ‘Look Round and Read Great Natures Open Book’.
Dropping down into the shelter of the gully another couple of Rock Pipits strutted on the short grass, while a Stonechat ‘chatted’ from the Gorse – now covered in bright yellow flowers.
From further inland the long seeping call of a Greenfinch could be heard, this species has been in decline over the last few years so it is great to hear it at this time of year.
In the woods a Treecreeper was creeping up the rough stem of a Holm Oak, the bright white chest spotted as it made its way up.
I’ve been a little slow writing this today, we have lots of contractors on site adding solar panels and energy efficient lighting, plus a wedding this morning – so is been all go!