First thing two score of Jackdaw were the most obvious presence other than the Swallows numbers. Three Magpies were active near the Centre, seeing off a Sparrowhawk which skimmed the ground to escape the mob. Later a trio of Magpies circulated about the upper gully. Atop the mile marker post there was much chopping and changing in the bird sentries. Initially one Raven sat on the upper mile marker, which was later joined by another on the cliff tops west of the Lighthouse. Meanwhile, a Jackdaw occupied the lower marker whilst some of its fellows occupied the lighthouse tower and former keepers’ cottages roof lines.
Blackcap and Stonechat were seen but not heard, the former near the centre and the later out in the gully scrub. As I approached the south facing rock outcrop within the gully I was expecting the large bird ahead to be a Peregrine Falcon but no. In fact this was an immature Green Woodpecker seeking out insects from within the earth between the rocks. I said immature due to the intricate striped markings about its head and neck. Shortly I saw that there were indeed two such birds part of a family I had noted months back. Out to sea two Shags flew eastward whilst the Condor ferry headed in the opposite direction.
Amongst the sward my feet sent up a variety of micro and day flying moths. Due to the lack of sunlight I was able to pick up a docile but healthy Adonis Blue butterfly that rested with its wings closed. An Oak tree with only one third of its leaf coverage was peppered with Cherry Galls. Red berries of Bryony; with otherwise shrivelled leaves poked through a Blackthorn as did determined Toadflax (still with flowers). Prior to my return a Kestrel spent some time riding the thermal coming inshore near the Small Copse.