It’s a delight to see the cliffs bustling with activity, now that an abundance of seabirds have returned to breed. It’s also a chance to spot passing migrants, such as the two Scoter, a mostly black seaduck, passing along the coast.
Always enjoyable is the flight of Fulmar, who flick a glance at you as they loop to and from the cliffs. From above, their soft grey wingspan, outstretched and steady, pale pink feet flailing behind. A few beats here and there, but mostly gliding on the breeze and thermals rising from below.
A stark contrast of colour is found in the Greater Black-backed Gull which displays exactly that, and also stands out for its mighty wingspan, dwarfing the still sizeable Herring Gulls which soar past in greater numbers.
A meander in the clifftop path juts out towards the sea and offers a view down to the Guillemot ledge. Here you can see the birds jostling with one another as they bond with their mates, and defend their territory against others. This space being no bigger than a foot square, and just enough room to share protection of the egg they will lay onto the bare rock towards the latter half of April.
The promontory here also enables a view of a couple Razorbill perched higher up the rock. Really beautiful birds to see up close, with jet black plumage, broad bill, and fine stripes of white. These birds occupying individual nesting sights as opposed to the two main Guillemot ledges which cater to some 400 birds.
The soundscape is dominated by the Guillemot’s peculiar sounding trills. These seem carry along the coast and can still be heard as I leave coastal path and ascend back up the hill. Cirl Bunting heard on the Diagonal Path.
Atop the Learning Centre, Katie spies a Black Redstart, which usually found around the Gully and Tilly Whim. Identifiable by its mostly grey-black plumage, but distinctive flash of orange feathers beneath its tail.