A wonderful sunny early patrol, with Swallows swooping and zipping backwards and forwards above me, their white undersides showing against the deep blue sky.
A few House Martins also spotted amongst them, white rumps showing as they banked.
Over the gully a Peregrine Falcon caused a consternation amongst the Wood Pigeons and Jackdaws as it skimmed over the assorted scrub.
Another of these magnificent Peregrines was perched on the corner of the rock outcrop, the yellow talons showing in the sunlight as it stared outwards, waiting for the right time to launch off in search of breakfast.
As I walked around, lots of Red Admiral butterflies, many fluttering as they adjusted their position in the sun to bask better. One patch of large green leaved Black Bryony, was been used by 4 Red Admirals.
Other butterflies spotted included Speckled Woods, Meadow Brown a Small Copper and some Small Whites.
The first few Ivy Bees (Colletes hederae) buzzing around the Ivy plants. Across the path a Greater Bloody-nosed Beetle trundled, always looks like a clockwork toy to me as they move.
In amongst the mass of red berries of the Hawthorn, the brown capped head of a female Blackcap emerged. A great view as it perched, until disappearing again to be replaced by a Stonechat whose orangish chest stood out.
Signs of migration with a Tree Pipit, as well as Meadow Pipits, some Siskin and a Redpoll and Grey Wagtails.