Although we didn’t get the cold temperatures found elsewhere, there was still a wonderful layer of ice across the Country Park this morning. As I walked over the fields the sound of crunching came from underfoot, the thin layer of frozen water cracking under my weight – at times leaving my foot dangling amongst the water-filled puddle!
Up against the hedgerow a white splodge was visible, even with binoculars, in the early pale light, it was difficult to make it out, then suddenly movement and a Roe Deer bounded forth. This dull brown mammal had blended in perfectly with the Blackthorn and Bramble hedge back drop. Always surprises me how big the powder puff rump looks at this time of year.
Along the cliff tops, just below the Lighthouse, a Rock Pipit was standing, a very grey bird with a few pale streaks. As I moved slightly nearer it took flight, calling loudly as it flitted over the top of the rocks.
At sea, a superb white Gannet was soaring high across the sky, heading towards the east. Another few spotted further out as I watched.
In the east the sun was rising, the Isle of Wight lit up by a red glow, with the grey clouds it was difficult to tell what was land and what was cloud! But it looked brilliant.
Drawing my eyes to the rock face, the Guillemots were once again in their hundreds packed tightly on the breeding ledge. Many more of these black and white auks were flying in circles fust off the coast. At this time of year they are present in the early mornings often leaving on mass mid-morning in ablur of wings and bodies, and head probably for their feeding grounds in the Channel.
A Bullfinch flitted from the stand of young Ash, its white rump easy to spot, the rest of the bird more camouflaged