The sound of a singing Dunnock accompanied the start of my early patrol, the fluty tunes just seem a little less forceful that some of the other songsters, including the Robin which was singing form the Hawthorn perch and the yellow billed Blackbird that was on the branch of an Ash tree.
Heading down towards the cliffs, I was delighted to see a Stonechat perched on top of a gorse bush, the black head and white collar to be seen as it ‘chatted’.
The deep throated croak of a Raven made me look upwards, the large black corvid flying overhead showing off its fingers on the wings, and thick neck as it swooped down towards the cliffs.
On the cliffs, a number of Herring Gulls, many of them last years chicks, their plumage still mostly brown, along with a couple of sleek grey adults.
Searching the nooks for a cackling Fulmar, sitting in a different hole to normal, as its usual spot was occupied by a Razorbill.
On the water 24 Razorbills, smart in their jet black and white breeding plumage, many paired up and tapping beaks together.
The ledge covered in Guillemots, well over 150 all standing upright, the sound of growling wafting up to be path every now and then.
On the short grassy areas the leaf rosettes of Orchids are getting bigger and showing more, while the white flowers of Common Whitlow Grass are now to be found.
A gorgeous patch of Lesser Celandine, yellow shiny waxy petals amongst the dark green leaves. Nearby Hairy Bittercress is just emerging, and on the bank towards the Castle Primroses.
In the glorious sunshine yesterday, a Peacock butterfly and Small Tortoiseshell were both basking.