I had the inevitable Grey Squirrels and Wood Pigeon encounters before entering castle wood. Here a trail of woodchip and leaf freshwater “flotsam” spread down onto the diagonal path. A hidden Blackbird sounded its alarm call as I headed to the Goat Plot. Here it was evident that Rangers & Volunteers had tackled the low-lying Gorse regrowth to keep the grassland open. Despite cloud above the horizon there was good visibility to St. Catherine’s Head. Like the spokes of a cartwheel the sun’s rays cut through the cloud. I heard Magpie cackling before heading to the cliff top.
I witnessed the activity of three Fulmars; whist Guillemots were upon the sea and on the ledge. Cave ledge occupancy was such that a dozen Guillemot resorted to perching upon the sloping boulder surface. A good three score seabirds rafted amongst the sell, with a few Razorbills therein. At Tilly Whim steps a Blue Tit was amongst Tamarisk branches. Guillemot gargles were more noticeable than the slight calls of the Raven that rode a thermal above.
Initially I was disappointed at seeing no Winterbourne flow at the Gully Mouth. However, “combed” grass indicated recent flow. Instead, the Blowhole gave steam like blasts. Having flown low down the gully a Kestrel ascended above the spray. Under the wire a Yew wobbled jelly like. Adjacent Sycamores hosted a dozen Jackdaw.
Below the Horseshoe bridge there was clear Winterbourne flow, as a Jay flew past. I ascended the steep grassy slopes then meandered from full sun the shade between scrub islands. Silently a Cock Pheasant stepped amongst the anthill marked downland. It was evident that much regrowth had been cleared here with patches only remaining where stone piles had threatened damaging metal brush cutter blades. Winter Heliotrope flowers persisted at the Small Copse. In Saxon Gorse and Common Daisies flowers were passed. A male Great Tit flew from Ash buds to perch beside me amongst Blackthorn. I squelched through South Field walking into the dazzling sun.