Today's weather: Dew underfoot, cloud with a strong breeze.
Whilst resting upon the overhead wires a Kestrel had ruffled and displaced feathers. Whilst it hovered the Kestrel fanned its tail feathers and opened its wing tips to maximise its surface area.
Rest Harrow was observed in a place where surely no ploughman would attempt, thin soils and an exposed rock outcrop. In places Wood sage has come into flower with an open spike arrangement coloured off cream. We have had several enquiries about a dandelion like flower. Goatsbeard has a far larger “seed clock head” than the common variety. Furthermore, one of volunteers came in understandably excited at finding a seven flowered Bee Orchid, however, ten is the considered maximum.
A few Bumble Bees and Day Flying Moths passed on the wing. I found a large grassy paper cocoon similar to a big Burnet Moth, and then I noted a fox moth caterpillar near by. However, it is a moth that leaves a cocoon and the caterpillar looked part eaten possibly from inside parasite. A dark winged butterfly observed once the sun pooped out on Lighthouse Road suggested a Ringlet.
Out at sea a steady stream of Guillemots were coming and going from the cliffs out to sea. One Carrion Crow had a distinctive light brown mark on its right hand wing noted as it took off from the ground. Another Carrion Crow hid on the lower mile marker atop the ladder. A score of Jackdaw were sent up by something from amongst the cattle in 10A. I noted a very pale winged and dark bodied Rock Dove gliding with wings in a “V” formation off the cliffs.
Several Rabbits were observed in the gully and around the centre proving their valuable close grassing. On returning to the centre a family of Great Tits reacted to my passing in a startled way which in turn startled me!