It was damp underfoot, but this did not stop a Song Thrush from belting out its array of sounds. Ahead of me a Carrion Crow inspected some litter, which I picked up. A Squirrel emerged from the wheelie bin as I disposed of the McDonalds waste.
An odd family sized Xmas Pudding bundle upon the ice cream kiosk rooftop was at least coated in Burdock Burrs. A detective like Magpie duo investigated the gallery’s terrace. As I crunched upon the path towards the Observation Point, a parliament of 30 Jackdaw burst into activity. Water droplets were shed from Holm Oak, courtesy of a slight breeze. Rumbling came from the sea cliff foot and spray arose.
A least five Fulmar were performing elegant flights off the cliffs. About one hundred birds were in “open raft” upon the sea consisting mostly of Guillemots with Razorbills and Herring Gulls. Passing them was a low flying Shag heading west. Low exposed wave cut ledges were repeatedly cover then exposed by frothy sea. I believe it was a Peregrine Falcon that silently flew past (westward) in such a straight line. “Chuffing” were Jackdaws now perched amongst inland coast path scrub. Common Daisies and Gorse showed flowers. Singing from Tilly Whim steps Tamarisk was a Robin. Vibrant Goosegrass leaves carpeted, but punctuated with Teasel basal rosettes, were near the Adder basking area. Sunburst through the cloud, then the blowhole was seen and heard in action. Gannets were observed offshore. Upstream I was surprised to hear and see the puddles were moving below Horseshoe Bridge as part of a Winterbourne. A pair of Blue Tits were noted here. From the upper Mile Marker “cronked” a Raven. It appeared to be a Kestrel that flew low between the cattle upon the downland slope. Landing, to take a rest, upon the overhead wires, was a Meadow Pipit. Elder, Honeysuckle, and Arum were all seen having fresh leaves. One Hereford cow scratched its head against a stone bench by the demo quarr. Early Spider Orchid rosettes were evident on the downs.