A dampness in the air soon ignored as I listened to and them watched the antics of a charm of Goldfinches as they moved around in the top most branches of the Ash trees. The tips of the twigs have a covering of deep red where the buds are beginning to open up. The Goldfinches showing their wonderful red, white, brown and gold colouring.
On the grassland an array of wildflowers to be enjoyed including the deep blue-purple of Grape Hyacinth, along with the pale blue of Early Forget-me-not, purple of Ground Ivy and bright blue of Green Alkanet contrasting with the yellows of Lesser Celandine, Dandelion and Primrose along with carpets of Cowslips.
Down towards the cliffs where the chuckling sound of Jackdaws greeted me as they erupted from the top of the wall.
As I looked down at the water it was covered with a large scattering of Guillemots, more than is usual at this time of year as they occupy their ledge breeding sites as they get ready to lay eggs. Swooping past me the huge shape of a Raven, the long wings finished with ‘fingers’ the heavy beak and thick neck adding to my foreboding – these Ravens have been landing on the Guillemot ledge and frightening the much smaller birds away. If this continues it might have effects on the breeding ability this season – but hopefully the Ravens will get bored and the Guillemots will stand up for themselves – time will tell. Fortunately there are other ledges which are less accessible so better protected from the Ravens where breeding should continue unaffected.
Trotting right along the cliff edge a female Roe Deer, causing two Rock Pipits to emerge from the area.
Further out a Gannet glided westward as 3 Great Black-backed Gulls came east.
By the lighthouse a Wheatear was on the wall, a delightful sandy coloured front and white rump.
Yesterday while undertaking a Skylark survey, 3 Red Kites were spotted passing overhead – so keep an eye out for more migrant birds.