With today being the shortest day of the year, and a blanket of grey cloud, once again my patrol began in darkness, but once the sunlight started to appear over the horizon wildlife began to be spotted.
In the woods Grey Squirrels kept me entertained, one was scampering along the cappers of the dry-stone wall, as it came to a wider gap the squirrel almost missed its footing, but recovered with an extra large bound! Another two were chasing up the thick trunk of a Holm Oak.
From behind me call the long loud trill of a Wren, such a tiny bird to make such a racket. Adding to the choir was a group of cackling Jackdaws and a squawking Carrion Crow.
A little later a flash of blue and white brought my attention to a Jay that had just landed amongst the lichen draped branches of a Blackthorn.
Down to the cliffs where 2 Peregrine Falcons were perched, the smaller of the two on the higher perch, the yellow talons showing well, on the lower outcrop the speckled chest of the other was looking dirty and ruffled.
As I looked back along the cliffs I was surprised to see the main ledge packed with Guillemots – they were unusually not making any sound, nor were their any on the water or in flight.
Flying past was a Great Black-backed Gull, the feather markings on its back indicating this will be its first year of breeding.
Overhead a Cormorant was gliding, the shape quite distinctive as it soared across at a considerable height.
Just over the edge the tall brown stems and spiky brush heads of Teasel, and the long wafting twigs and soft feathery leaves of Tamarisk