In the relative cool of the early morning I took my patrol towards the cliffs, taking a few moment to sit on (and check) the commemorative seats – while enjoying the view the screeching call of a Peregrine changed my focus.
Above the cliffs a young Peregrine was honing its flying skills by harassing a Great Black-backed Gull – the bird of prey looking particularly small against the dark wings of our largest resident bird. The Gull with the high-pitched call ringing through the sky, completed with some low throaty coughs and an indignant jink, the Peregrine returning to the cliffs!
Beside me the tall dull pink flowers of a Hemp Agrimony attracted a Gatekeeper butterfly, while on the Greater Knapweed 8 Skippers were perched, 6 Lulworths and 2 Small, despite their names, the dull brown Lulworth Skipper is smaller than the generally bright brown Small Skipper!
Marbled Whites also landing amongst the Greater Knapweed, Wild Carrot and Honeysuckle. Other butterflies this morning included Red Admiral, Peacock, Silver Washed Fritillary, Meadow Brown and Ringlet.
From along the dry verges the sound of Orthoptera, bending down good views of a Field Grasshopper (look for its hairy chest!) and the short wings of a Meadow Grasshopper. A little further loan on the bare earth the larger shape of a Grey Bush-cricket, one of 4 species if Bush-cricket seen – the others Dark, Roesel’s and Great Green.
Two Kestrels flying across the gully, one landing on the Mile Markers the other calling as it arrived on the telegraph pole.
Just along the coast a group of about 6 Swifts, swooping in large circles, wonderful to see, with their long swept back black wings and sleek bodies.
On the top of a small dead Hawthorn a couple of young Blackcaps were spotted, both quite fluffy with rusty brown caps, nearby young Common Whitethroats, Goldfinches, Robins and Wrens. While yesterday the bird ringers were able to ring a young Cirl Bunting for the first time.