The early walk began under dull grey skies with the Herring Gulls taking advantage of the conditions by gathering in a group on the wet meadows, their large white forms providing some brightness in the gloom.
Wandering around the group were some Jackdaws, looking so much smaller and a couple of Carrion Crows which were also dwarfed by the gulls.
A short rattle of a song made me search the Blackthorn ‘hedgerow’ eventually spotting amongst the spiny twigs a Chaffinch, the white feathers on the wing helping me find this elusive bird.
Using its beak to turn over the rotting woodchip in the woods was a Blackbird, while above in the spindly Ash tree a Great Tit was calling ‘teacher-teacher-teacher’ it went.
In the gully a Hawthorn still with a few dull red haws on the ends of the branches. Rambling over it a wonderful display of Ivy, a load of ripe berries all ready for the birds to feed on during the rest of the winter.
Mixed amongst it a Blackthorn covered in the pale grey Lichen, the wispy fronds of the Usnea subfloridana dangling alongside Ramalina farinacea.
From along the cliffs came the screeching sound of a Peregrine Falcon, a piercing call as it flew above the clifftop allowing me a quick look at this bird of prey.
Another bird of prey appeared, then disappeared, leaving just an impression which leads me towards a Sparrowhawk – but inconclusive!