A bit of a shock to the system this morning, with a sheet of grey cloud covering the sky – the first for some time – with the addition of a fresh easterly breeze.
I was drawn to the cliffs where a Kestrel was putting on a hovering display. Almost within touching distance this male Kestrel was staying in the same spot, about 10foot above the rough grass, its tail angles upwards, twisting, flexing, opening and closing, while the wings fluttered and adjusted. Meanwhile his head stayed static, occasionally looking about, but then returning to concentrate on the land below.
A patch of bright pink flowers caught my eye, this being my first Thrift flowers of the year, nearby some more delicate white petals of Sea Campion, both of these plants hugging the cliff edge.
On the water below, a scattering of 80+ Guillemots, the dark brown and white bodies bobbing, some washing, turning over and over. As I looked up to the ledge, packed with more of these birds, who are now preparing to lay their egg over the next couple of weeks – none spotted yet, through the camera.
Nearer the top of the cliff-face 5 jet black Razorbills were stood looking very smart, and sporting their white stripe along the beak.
Swinging round in the strong breeze 5 Fulmars, another wonderful sight, as they come round and round, soaring on their thin straight wings.
A sudden squawking and a Raven, tumbled downward to harass a Great Black-backed Gull, both of these huge birds dwarfing the Jackdaw which was flying alongside, cackling at the event.
Overhead a Peregrine Falcon slowly passed, while a piping call from below, made me search for the Oystercatcher which was flying west, another black and white shape to spot.