Being a Saturday we are hosting the parkrun as usual, but then we have a wonderful Wedding taking place in the Gallery. Hopefully the participants will get the chance to enjoy the view and the wildlife while they are here.
Scampering across the wall of the Castle, just under the plaques, was as Wall Lizard with its green colouration and long tail, easily distinguishable from the Common Lizard, one of which was spotted on a capper along the clifftop.
On the water a scattering of Guillemots, their chocolate brown and white colouring making them appear and then disappear as they bobbed. In amongst them were a few Razorbills, on inspection a much blacker back and a smart white flash on the beak.
Halfway up the cliff a Shag perched, a great view of the long neck and large webbed feet of this greenish tinged bird, as I watched another flew into a nook, a short honk as it passed.
Just below the Observation Point two Ravens sat, these huge birds spotted, watching the begging behaviour it is possible one was a juvenile.
The scratchy song of a Common Whitethroat drew my attention away from the water, as I looked upwards at the Gorse (lots of yellow flowers) a couple of the these warblers were perched on the highest spikes.
Looking across, Stonechats added to the mix, the dark head, orange chest and white collar, all nice distinguishing features. As is the ‘chatting’ call. A flutter of Linnets as they too took flight added to the wonderful variety of sights and sounds.
Meanwhile the smells of Ramsons and Three-corned Leek occupied the nostrils in the woods, while the tall white flowers of Garlic Mustard mix with the deep blue of Green Alkanet. Low to the ground, Ivy-leaved Toadflax and Ground Ivy grow along the wall edges.
Swooping in the early sunshine, just above the Castle were a couple of Swallows.