Today is the beginning of no more Apprentice Tom Fry. So, I needed to make the most of my patrol and checked on the two electric fence lines. Burdock Burrs stood, in vain, waiting large mammals to pass so to spread their seeds from the walling centre. Hereford cattle gathered near the top gate as a Magpie passed. A trio of Jackdaws perched upon the lower mile marker. The structures enable the wind to faintly whistle and wail.
I thought it best to shut the cattle out of the Goat Plot Extension, to avoid any weekend challenges. Fortunately, the main electric fence was also in good health. The sky was grey and cloud low. Despite this I managed to view St. Alban’s Head, albeit not its buildings. A “cronking” Raven passed over the goat plot before flying along the sea cliffs. Cliff cave occupancy led to nine Guillemots perching on the sloping boulder. Some forty of the birds were upon the sea, with Razorbills noted amongst them. A train of near on one hundred Guillemots fled the caves, most landing upon the sea near by but a score heading beyond. Today I believed I saw seven Fulmars suggesting perhaps one of the pairs had brought one of their offspring with them. Again, a Greater Black Backed Gull perch above the colony. Mist drifted down the gully towards the sea. A close flying trio of Cormorant flew east, very closely together. Dew decorated the basal rosettes of Thistle.
Jackdaws flew low over Lighthouse Green, before racing down to the sea cliffs. This caused some Feral Doves to ascend. Upon the green, despite hearing the electric fence “tick” I saw no signs of its earthing out. The moisture in the air perhaps? Upon my ascent I passed the buds of Ash, Apple, and Sycamore. I was pleased to see the cattle had not damage the restored quarr capstan winch. A pair of Winter Heliotrope flowers survived on the un-grazed side of the wall at Small Copse. Before reading the weather a blast of pure white sun beams broke through cloud and mist.