This morning I found myself enchanted by a flock of fifty or so Goldfinch which swarmed together around Lighthouse Field. Flitting between the grasses, towering Teasels and patches of scrub, their wings flutter so quickly like a hummingbird as they precariously balance on the spindliest stems. Moving as one, they appear to explode into flight; flashing their yellow wing feathers and fading red chest reflecting that of the red Haws below.
It’s cold but bright. At 8am the Sun hangs low above a clean crisp horizon. Damp with dew, the grasslands glisten in the light, and I even find some patches of frost amongst the long shadows cast behind old quarr spoil heaps. Yet, a juxtaposition, a Small White butterfly dancing in the sunlight above.
At the Gully bridge, a Robin sings from atop the large Apple tree. It’s branches are now free of leaves to reveal a Lichen-clad trunk. Ivy and Clematis also envelops the lower branches; here a Chiffchaff takes covers amongst the thicket of hanging vines. A small flock of Redpoll passes through.
The Jackdaws are suspiciously quiet as they flock into the Tamarisk above Subliminal. I descend past the Lighthouse where the grasslands quickly transition to rock and Golden Samphire. Ten or so Meadow Pipits pipe as they scavenge here along the clifftop. Every so often a couple of them will burst into flight, chasing each other with impressive aerobatic skills.
Further along Boulder Ruckle to climbers prepare to abseil down to the sea. It’s calm and quiet on the water, away from the hustle and bustle of birds preparing for migration on the land. Just a lone Greater Black-backed Gull and a Shag and a making way westward. The gull high in the sky, the latter hugging the wave crests.
Whilst unlocking the Castle this morning, I discovered a beautiful Toad in the upper Turret, probably having descended the steps from the garden overnight.