The call of a Raven, as it flew over Long Meadow, caused me to look upwards, and there it was, this huge black crow, the long wings ending with distinct feathery fingers, the tail a wedge (almost diamond) shaped and the thick ruff on its neck. These distinctive features all easy to see in this morning’s early light, the sun having just started to shine.
The pale pink berries of Japanese Spindle, in clumps amongst the shiny waxy green leaves, while the duller slightly furry leaves of Viburnum were accompanied by the flat-headed white flower. Growing from the hedgerow floor, the long thin leaves of Stinking Iris, their bright orange berries provided a splash of colour.
Up through the trees and the sound of Great Tits calling from the Sycamore, spotted as they flitted between the branches, in the nearby Apple Tree a flock of Long-tailed Tits were acrobatically dangling from the fruit tree twigs. Always a pleasure to watch these pink and white and black balls of feather!
As I headed to the cliffs, the sound of Guillemots gargling and growling was evident way before I could see them. Looking over the glass panels in the wall, on the water a load of froth in white balls, plus 40+ Guillemots. A closer inspection of the area and the blacker coloured Razorbills came into view, these Auks floating and as I counted them, there were 16, some were coming together, tapping beaks and growling, perhaps renewing their pair bonds after a winter apart.
A honking call ensured I looked to the east, and there a Shag was flying low over the water, a slightly greenish tinge and a flapping crest noted as it continued.
Zooming in and out of the cliff face were Fulmars, a glorious sight, which I was compelled to count, first 3, then 4, then 6 going in and out and round and round, then a cackle from the cliffs added a seventh, as it lay in the nook, head poking out, the tube nose of this albatross relative to be spotted.
Lying down on the bank on the downs was a Roe Deer, his dark coat blending well against the backdrop of scrub, as he turned the antlers could be seen well and were covered in velvet.