Ok, it was at Norden Station yesterday, but I felt the need to celebrate seeing a Red Admiral. It certainly was too cloudy for flying insect today; however, a deceased Buff Tailed Bumble Bee was found upon the coast path. I walked amongst spots of rain to again check the electric fence line, fortunately all was well. Near the measured mile markers, a silent Raven rose up. It was good to see that Holm Oak, below knee height, had been browsed by the Hereford Cattle.
A Herring Gull duo glided west as a Fulmar raced past in the opposite direction. A substantial quantity of Guillemot was upon the sea as many more flew in a train from the cliffs. Dizzying Fulmar flight was performed. Passing the gully mouth were a pair of Shag. The cattle were mostly upon the higher and relatively level ground. Beside and amongst the coast path clumps of Thrift leaves were nearly as obvious as the vibrant orange Moss.
Some bare leafless branches of Holly seemed to have suffered salt burn. Two score of Jackdaws rose up above the Lighthouse only to fly “upstream”. Some fresh Wild Madder leaves poked through the Lighthouse margin Bramble. I counted near fifty Pin Cushion Galls upon one Wild Rose. Again both Song Thrush and Blue Tit were active near the gully bridge.
Ascending the downland slope, I passed pancake like cowpats and many hoof marks, before sending up two Magpies amongst cattle. A trio pf Carrion Crow called to others downslope from the Small Copse. Both Great Tit and Blue Tit visited the garden’s bird feeders. Hazel catkins dangled from the hedgerow as a hint of Spring.