As I took a slow stroll down the side of the meadow, a flutter of wings and a looping flight saw Long-tailed Tits as they landed amongst the pale pink globules of the Japanese Spindle.
At the same time the sound of Great Tits, the regular calls, which, with a little imagination could be turned into ‘teacher-teacher’ indicating the presence of at least 3 of these resident birds.
A few early flowers to enjoy including the white flattish heads on the Viburnum shrub, the slightly almondy smelling Winter Heliotrope and the delicate lilac of the Spring Crocus.
Down to the cliff path and turning around the headland the wind was suddenly buffeting, the water a grey and white churning mass of water.
Bobbing on the top of the sea were masses of Auks, Guillemots making up the majority, still a couple in their winter plumage, while the ledge was again full.
Counting the Razorbills was very tricky due to the wind preventing me from holding my binoculars steady and ensuring my eye were watering – not a good combination – however at least 16 Razorbills.
More surprising was the group of 7 Fulmars bobbing together on the water, with another flying around.
Hovering for a moment above the rocks was a male Kestrel, the grey tail and head contrasting with the chestnut back, and dashing past a dark grey backed Peregrine Falcon.
Despite all this wildlife, I was still looking out for Bottlenose Dolphins, a group of 6-8 were seen yesterday morning, but to no avail today.
However, as I nearer Tilly Whim Ledges, a black shape emerged on the water, it wasn’t just another patch of dark brown seaweed churned up from the seabed by the weather, it was a Grey Seal.
The Grey Seal floated on the surface for a short while, allowing me views of its head and back, before disappearing again beneath water.