Taking a stroll to the coast path, the call of a Chiffchaff was accompanying me as I went. Searching the bushes this small brown warbler was spotted amongst the twigs and leaves of an Ash, during my look I also noted Robin, Dunnock, Song Thrush, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Wren in the Hawthorn, Field Maple and Privet.
By the Observation Point, the sound of the sea gently lapping at the Portland limestone was interrupted by the growling gargle of the Guillemots which were scattered across the water, dark brown and white, some turning over as they washed, other bobbing up and down, a few diving down and others taking flight – wings whirring and feet splashing as lift off happened.
On the ledges I still haven’t spotted a chick, due anytime, but difficult to see as they are well hidden under the parent’s feathery belly. However lots of eggs to be seen, a wide range of colours -some blue others cream – have a look via the live camera (either at the Castle or on the Website).
2 Fulmars swooping in and out of the rock face, a cackle as they pass another sitting in a nook – is it incubating an egg I wonder?
Further out a flock of gulls including a few Kittiwakes, their distinctive call enabling me to identify at a distance.
A carpet of pink Thrift along the clifftops, as well as patches of Bird’s-foot Trefoil, Kidney Vetch and Horseshoe Vetch.
Some waxy green Sea Beet plants, perfectly suited to the salty conditions, nestle under the Tamarisk (which has drops of Cuckoo Spit dangling from it).
A Rock Pipit fluttering around the rocks and a Stonechat on the Gorse, as a Painted Lady rests on a large white Elder flower. As io continue up the hill 2 huge Ravens spotted.