A fairly wet and drab morning with rain falling across en masse across the park and the channel. The disturbed sea state blending into grey skies about 5 or 6km away. Woodpigeons appear to hiding at every corner, they erupt into flight as I pass them and take off in small flocks.
The colder weather and darker days have taken most of the colour out of Dell, however brilliant bright pink flowers remain on each of the Fuchsia. Much of Stinking Iris seed pods have burst open to reveal their orange berries, and look up into the Crab-Apple trees and you’ll find the bare branches adorned with little orange fruit.
A little Wren hops its way through the undergrowth, keeping distance from the Grey Squirrels who scamper out in the open. Each of the squirrels take time to choose the best acorn from the bounty that covers the woodland floor, before scurrying back up into the Holm Oaks with their prize.
My walk continues round to the Observation Point, where you become exposed to the full power of the wind. It’s difficult to face directly South as the wind fills my airways and makes it harder to breathe.
I catch sight of just three birds down here – another Woodpigeon, a Shag attempting to fly low along the base of the cliffs, whilst its lofty wings get caught in the gusts, and lastly; a fantastic view of a Peregrine Falcon. I saw it while off, whilst watching Anvil Point Lighthouse flashing in the distance. It approached at speed, with its wings tucked in tight to aid its aerodynamics. It flew right past me with determined eyes, like a slow bullet probably just 10m away from me.