What a change to the weather, after yesterday’s glorious sunshine, this morning, a thick grey cloud cover, producing cold, wet rain – but sadly no snow as in other parts of the county.
The sound of a mooing cow, all that could be heard over the constant rainfall and strong winds, as I started across the wat and puddly meadows.
Checking a water trough in the longer grass I almost tripped over a Pheasant, which erupted with a squawk and a cackle from just below my feet.
A Dunnock moving between the stems of the Blackthorn hedge, the dull light making this brown bird look particularly dull!
In amongst the patch of dripping Brambles a Wren was perched, this bird showing off its pale eye-stripe, as well as its steeply cocked tail.
Taking a walk across the meadow (Herren Ground, or field 8 as its called), I was surprised to see some small yellow flowers, not the normal Rough Hawkbit or Bristly Ox-tongue of which a few are both blooming, but what at first glance was a Cowslip.
As I passed it, I had to return and check back as a Cowslip in mid November is not a normal sighting. So a closer look, and the plant had three small pale yellow trumpet like flowers, only about 1cm (1/4”) in height each. But definitely a Cowslip !
By one of the water troughs, a large pile of Badger poo, this a popular latrine for these night-time creatures.
Down to the cliffs where the Guillemots were perched on the ledges, the numbers of these Auks in winter non-breeding plumage is decreasing, but probably just about in the majority still. I didn’t expect to see the Guillemots to be about today as they often head out to sea in rough weather.
Up through the woods and a splash of bright orange Stinking Iris berries showing, the long thin leaves alongside.