Following a hot and humid night, I was pleased to see cloud covering the sky this morning. Bringing with it, a slightly cooler temperature than the hot week we’ve had.
Walking through the meadows, the grasses transition through Barley, Cocksfoot, Rye, and Oat. Pale flax takes centre stage for colour, it’s small grey-ish blue flowers bobbing in the breeze and reflecting the colour of the sky above. Below this emergent layer, a mosaic of pinks and yellows; Buttercup, Clover, Hay Rattle, and Common Spotted Orchid.
We listen to the Skylarks song as we descend through the Lighthouse Field, and a Chiffchaff chirps in the background. Patches of purple Wild Thyme are splodged along the short bits of turf, and Birds Foot Trefoil display the full spectrum of yellow to orangey-red petals which lend its name ‘Eggs and Bacon’.
At the Lighthouse, a charm of Goldfinch erupt from a patch of Gorse, and we catch sight of a Marbled White and Meadow Brown butterfly.
Out to sea, a 60’ sailing yacht gracefully makes it way East in champagne sailing conditions; where strong winds carry the boat directly along the coast across a calm sea.
As we also turn East around Anvil Point we can already see the Guillemots flying to and from the cliffs. Yesterday I had a trip to see (and hear) them up-close whilst recording audio for an exhibition we will be hosting in September. The birds quickly became acclimatised to us floating on a boat near to their ledge, flying directly overhead, and swimming right up alongside. We soon became accustomed to frenzy of various calls as they communicate to one another; arguing for space, calling their partners, and the young chicks chirping for food.
The acoustics within the cave are incredible as the sounds echoing around the rocks; loud Guillemot trills, squeaking Rock Pipits, clattering Jackdaws and the occasional croak from a Fulmar.