This morning the sky is filled with passing flocks of birds, the spade-like silhouettes of Redwing, the larger Woodpigeon, tumbling flocks of Jackdaw and undulating Goldfinch.
I’m told the Blackcaps fewer in number and replaced by that of the thrushes: Song, Linnet and Blackbird; the latter of which found with a darker (usually yellow) bill. This can indicate a non-resident bird from Northern Europe.
As I arrive at the bird ringers table, there’s a very loud screeching emitting from one of the larger bags with a sizeable movement inside. Two Sparrowhawks have been caught alongside the usual commonly caught birds.
One of these raptors is removed from the bag, with great care taken to not startle the bird, or fall victim to its impressively sharp hooked claws. The talons scratch and clench around anything within reach, even with experience, blood is drawn from volunteer ringer Mick’s fingers.
Moments later, the beautiful bird of prey is revealed with it’s striking yellow eyes on high alert. Thin mottled barring across its breast feathers indicate an adult bird. This is confirmed by measuring its wing length., which also identify it as a female.
An existing ring hangs loosely around its leg: The number on it is recorded and will be researched later to find out where and when the bird was last caught. The bird is held for quick photo, posing with the other Sparrowhawk, before being released.
I head down to the cliffs where the waves roll around the rocks to the tune of the Rock Pipits. Many Black, Brown, and Orange Slugs slide their way across the footpaths, alongside some Snails; Garden, and the pleasingly swirly shelled Brown-lipped.
A lone fishing boat rumbles past the cliffs, with a couple Shags flying nearby. Yet more cackling Jackdaw and larger flocks of Woodpigeon: Some few hundred in number, with numbers sets to grow into the thousands by winter.