Starting off the mornings patrol with a visit into the wildlife area I mooched around the pond. Gazing in I was able to spot Palmate Newts, Water Boatmen, Diving Beetles and a chunky Pond Snail. Fauna-wise I could also see Water Lily and Water Mint whilst a Great Tit and Robin watched on.
Passing down towards the coast I came across the last of the Early Purple Orchids, which are now starting to be replaced with the views of Early English Gentians. A Red Admiral was basking in the warmth of the sun as I noticed numerous patches of ‘Cuckoo spit’, the frothy white foam often found on herbaceous plants which is secreted to protect the nymphs of insects. As I inspected the foam a fat fuzzy Common Carder Bumblebee (these are the mostly orange/brown bumbles) hummed past.
Down at the Mile marker post I found a splendid unidentified Solitary Bee that was obliging enough to pose for a photo. As I did so a Dartford Warbler announced its presence over in the gorse up the diagonal path.
Taking in the sea view I noticed the fishing vessel the Silver Spray heading out Westwards. I was able to note 60+ Guillemots out on the water, most likely seeking refuge from the handsome Raven Corvus corvax perched close by. Also gliding in the calm breeze were pair of Fulmars, a singular Herring Gull and passing Cormorant.
A few of my personal favourite, the Swallow Hirundo rustica swooped in, their glossy blue plumage gleaming and forked tails steaming.
On the grass topped cliffs was an assortment of Sea Campion and Thrift, the latter showing up its pink colouring nicely in contrast to the blue sea.
Heading back up the gully to make my way back to base I was treated to the sight of several Small Heath, Speckled Wood, Adonis Blue, Common Blue and lastly a Silver Y moth. I also spotted a Wolf Spider on the prowl for a meal as a pair of Rabbits scuttled for cover. Up in the trees a beautiful pair of Bullfinches were showing nicely, as first a Greenfinch then a Yellowhammer passed over. Over in the flower meadows a Skylark sang its endless song, as I walked up past a trio of Vicia, Horseshoe Vetch, Bird's-foot Trefoil and Kidney Vetch.