What at change from the freezing white ground of yesterday to the rain of last night and temperatures up at 8’.
A patrol down to the cliffs to enjoy the rising golden sun, which was creating some delightful colours as it encountered the land, and as it shone through the spiky edges of the tall Teasel heads dark silhouettes.
The clifftops strangely quiet today, with the Guillemot ledges unoccupied as they have disappeared off out to sea somewhere.
As well as no auks, not a single Fulmar, Gull or Shag to be seen either, just large flock of Jackdaws cackling amongst themselves as they perched on the cliff edge and in the Tamarisk.
Over the last few days the Rangers and volunteers have been doing a super job of scrub removal along the coast path. Removing the patches of regrowing Blackthorn and Bramble will open up the views, giving an even better sea view!
Around Tilly Whim, a sudden eruption from the cliffs as a flock of Feral Pigeons emerged at speed, the sound of the air ripping as they went.
Towards the gully the seeping squeaking call of Bullfinches, searching through the rambling ropes of the Wild Clematis I eventually found these superb finches. The jet black head contrasting with the pale grey, plus the bright pink breast make them one of the smartest birds – to my mind.
Flitting through the thin twigs of the Elm trees was a group of Blue Tits, common birds, but always worth a watch, as they hold on to the upright stems showing off their blue and yellow colours.
On the adjacent stems of a Holm Oak were a couple of Great Tits, providing a great chance to compare these two species which are often seen together.
Bounding over the tufts of Tor Grass was a Roe Deer, the tan fur catching the sunlight, making it shine.