Another early patrol around this wonderful National Nature Reserve, however many times I walk, there is always something different, fascinating or surprising to see or hear.
Today I was looking at the next sections of Gorse that need to come out to improve the habitat, to prevent the downland slopes becoming a Gorse blanket. As I did this some bright yellow splashes of colour topping this spiky plant as the flowers bloom, a close inspection and they are slightly furry and if the sun come out to provide some warmth have a coconut smell!
By the bridge that spans the gully, two Bullfinches were perched in the Pear tree, the bright pink fronted male, contrasting with the much duller female, such superbly marked finches. As the male took off the squeaky call could be heard.
The sun was shining through a slither between the cloud cover and the horizon, providing a bright golden backlight behind the lighthouse, around it the clouds were foreboding and looking like they were full of rain – as I discovered a little later I was right!
In flight below the cliffs an Oystercatcher, which conveniently (for me) called loudly just before it reached my standing point, alerting me to its presence, a wonderful view of the black and white marked bird with the long thick orange beak leading the way.
Around the cliffs, the Fulmars were putting on quite a show, soaring in and out, in large loops, one of them virtually stopping in front of me – the black feathers around the eyes, and pale blueish tube nose easily visible with the naked eye. At least seven of these masters of the air counted.
On the water, a mass scattering of Auks, at least 100 Guillemots including 5 or so in ‘winter’ non breeding plumage, the rest having moulted into the summer breeding state.
In amongst part of the group, were Razorbills, a much darker black the identifying feature from my position on the cliff tops, and a count made it 16, but they were bobbing about so exact numbers is difficult!
Two Great Tits chasing through the Willows in the woods were a Chiffchaff was also heard.