A chilly start to the morning as I headed towards the woods, where the sound of 2 Jays squawking caught my attention. One of these colourful pink, white and blue birds was in light just ahead of me. Their pattern of flight and wing movement very distinctive, as they almost float through the air as they beat their wings gently!
Another very distinctive flier was spotted over the water, this a Grey Heron, such a strange looking bird! The long legs sticking out behind it, its wide wings beating slowly. It always surprises me when the dark black outer half of the wings are seen, as when standing on land it is a pale grey bird!
The Grey Heron was surprisingly far out, starting high then flying low across the water, with what looked like great effort.
Closer in (and looking more suited to the environment) was a line of 12 Razorbills and 7 Guillemots, the Razorbills a much darker colour. Up on the cliffs the top ledge was completely empty, and the lower ledge just occupied by a few Guillemots.
Also on the water, the long-neck of the Shag easily spotted, this bird in deep green plumage, topped with a wispy crest.
In the row of Holm Oaks the high pitched calling of Goldcrests could be heard above the sound of the blustery wind. After watching for a while, these tiny birds were eventually spotted moving through the thick green leaves and branches. An occasional flash of gold as they moved about, but not easy to see at all despite at least 5 being present.
After the last few days of warmth, the Primroses have emerged in good numbers, providing splashes of pale yellow along some verges, where the brighter waxier yellow of the Lesser Celandine is ready to burst open once the sun comes out.
The taller leaves and stems of Daffodils are topped with bright yellow flowers – a lovely row of them in the garden of the Castle.
In amongst the short grass a number of Daisies are showing, the yellow, white, pink and purple flowers easily overlooked and underrated!!