The sound of pattering rain as I began my walk, was accompanied by the splashing of puddles and slapping on the mud as I made my way across the first field! Here two Herring Gulls were paddling in a puddle after yesterday’s 20mm of rain.
A change of route to the drier downs and clifftop enabled me to enjoy the walk more.
From overhead came the crying call of a bird of prey, and two dark grey dots floated towards me, one larger than the other. As they got closer I could make out they were Peregrine Falcons – it was the shape, the way of flying and the of course the sound that made it possible.
A few moments spent watching these two birds soar and dive together, perhaps they will soon be nesting on the cliffs again.
In the large Sycamore in the bottom of the Gully were dotted 26 Wood Pigeons, huddled grey bodies sat on many branches, until a sudden eruption and a clattering of wings and twigs they took flight.
Sitting amongst the long rope-like branches of the Old Man’s Beard was a Song Thrush, its speckled chest lit for a moment by a faint shaft of sunlight. Nearby a Blackbird was uttering a partial song, sleek black plumage with a bright orange-yellow bill.
As the rain began again, the telephone wires was occupied by 18 Jackdaws all in a row, but mid-way along line was a single large Carrion Crow, the size difference so easy to see – always is when birds are sitting together!
To the cliffs where the sea was rolling in and smashing against the wave cut platform below Tilly Whim, a plume of water spouting high into the air through the blow-hole with a low whoosh as it did so – wonderful to stand and watch.
The dark shape of a Shag skimming low above the water, and a little further out the bright white of two Gannets.
Guillemots were on the main ledge, but today accompanied by a Herring Gull, while on the water Razorbills (40 counted).
As I returning towards the Castle, a Blue Tit, Great Tit, Robin and Chaffinch were all hopping around an Elder bush.