I start the diary in the from the Learning Centre, leaving the offices I see a Grey Squirrel, heard as I walk around the building was a Wren, Robin, Goldfinch, Jackdaw, Blue Tit, Chaffinch, Chiffchaff, Crow, a White Wagtail and a Blackbird in the distance. As I walk I notice hairy yellow flower called Bristly Oxtongue – certainly earns the name of bristly! 2x Ladybugs are spotted on Hogweed, and as I walk slightly further on amongst mostly tall grasses, I spot Wild Carrot, Ox-eye Daisies, Birds-foot Trefoil, Creeping Buttercups, White Clover, Crosswort, Acrimony, and 1x Common Spotted Orchid. Getting closer to the lighthouse tarmac path I walk in-between hedgerows of Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Brambles, towards the end of this I spot a Sycamore tree with pink Samara – or “helicopter seeds” – winged like seeds that disperse in the wind for reproducing more Sycamore trees, this is also seen on some other Maple trees such as Field Maple or Norway Maple.
I cross the path into the Holm Oak/Ash/Sycamore canopy copse, within heard and seen is a Blackbird, a Wren, Linnet, Blue Tit, Robin, Wood Pigeon, Blackcap, and Long-tailed Tit, I also vaguely hear the tail end of a Firecrest song (which I didn’t hear again) – this was confirmed when I looked at the Merlin app (which I keep on in my pocket) later on. As I walk, I hear commotion going on, is it a bird? No! Mammal? Yes! Badger? No! 3x Grey Squirrels fighting each other? Yes! This commotion went on for a good few minutes making the Holm Oak and Ash move drastically as they fight.
Further down, on the coastal path, I stop just past Tilly Whim where the Guillemot colony can be spotted – Of corse many a Guillemot, as well as Razorbills, a Meadow Pipet is heard, and Jackdaws and Feral Pigeons seen. Further on down 2x Razorbills are spotted above the Guillemot gave (the highest I have personally seen Razorbills), while 2x Fulmars flying close by to the cliffs between the Guillemot colony and the two Razorbills. Also seen and heard along the coastal path, Chiffchaff, Whitethroats, Crows, and 3x bullying Ravens above the front one calling loudly whilst the two behind follow suit – STAY AWAY FROM OUR GUILLEMOTS RAVENS!
Also spotted was a Kestrel as I was opening the Gallery doors.