As the sun rose above the sea it produced a wonderful orange glow across the Park, as I took a stroll across the farmland the sky was dotted with thousands and thousands of Wood Pigeons.
The sound of their wings as they ripped through the air could be heard, while they travelled, mostly moving from west to east, some flocks of 100’s others of 1000’s catching the attention, making me constantly look upwards.
Along with the Wood Pigeons were some slightly smaller and more delicate looking Stock Doves.
As I continued my patrol, a scattering of Meadow Pipits took flight from the grassy fields, a piping call as they went, before landing again a little further away.
A few dots of white fungi have emerged, including the Yellow Stainer, Field Mushroom and the taller Parasol. The brown slimy caps of Field Blewitt also to be found along with the shiny yellow caps of a Waxcap.
Perched on the top of the Gorse – a couple of which were still flowering in bright yellow petals, a Stonechat was spotted, the pale orange chest and darker head making it quite obviously seen.
A flash of a long-tailed dark bird caught my eye, as I searched for it, a Dartford Warbler popped up for a moment, allowing a definite identification.
Along the cliffs the sun was twinkling on the water, and the ledges were stuffed full of Guillemots. Well over a hundred jostling and bobbing for space on the cliffs, as I zoomed in with the binoculars, it was just possible to see the white faces of the winter plumaged birds.
Back through the woods just by the Castle, for a look for the Palla’s Warbler which has been reported recently, but no luck!
Also a reminder that the Castle and café are closed today, Tuesday and Wednesday this week, while we do cleaning and maintenance on the floors and kitchens.