What a magnificent storm last night, with the sky lit by huge swathes of light and sudden dramatic forks. The rumbling of thunder turned into massive claps as the storm rolled directly overhead. Despite what sounded like a downpour of torrential rain, it registered only 11.9mm in our recording station.
Not ideal for moth trapping, but still a superb Buff Tip, as well as Swift, Setaceous Hebrew Character, Light Brocade and Light Feathered Rustic.
A comparative chill from recent days for my early patrol, but the birds were in good voice with Goldfinches, Stonechats and Linnets all calling as I walked on the downland, whilst a Skylark ascended to pour a stream of song from against the grey sky.
Along the cliffs the sound of Guillemots growling was occasionally broken by the high-pitched cheep of a young chick (come into the Castle to see these via our live camera).
On the cliffs a jet black Razorbill was standing, the white stripe on its beak showing up well, as was the tubes on the top of the beak of the Fulmar, which was lazing in a nook. As a second Fulmar flew close by a cackling chuckle was emitted.
A Great Black-backed Gull stretched its wings while at its feet a tiny chick stood (pale beige with black spots), and next to it an unhatched egg was visible.
A tall dark-cerise stand of Gladious down near the Lighthouse, while splashed as individual dots of brilliant pink in the meadows is Grass Vetchling – looking like a pea flower in the tall grass.
A patch of Bugle caught my eye as did the perfect round heads of Wild Carrot, some almost a full white dome, others flat and deep pink.
The dampness has encouraged the snails to slime about, with many Garden Snails, Brown-lipped Snails, Wall Snails (Helicigona lapicida) on the dry-stone walls and small Spiral Snails (Cochlicella acuta) by the coast.