As the sun was rising it was producing a very strange effect on the low fog, making it turn almost orange, this colour wafting across as the cloud moved. As I admired this lightshow, a flock of Meadow Pipits flew underneath their calls making identification easier.
In ‘Saxon field’ I counted 12 Stonechats, as they perched at the top of various bits of Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Sycamore and Clematis scrub, this provided me with a great opportunity to look closely at these delightful orange breasted birds, some of which had brown heads, some black.
A check on the herd of Hereford Cattle who will be moving to Smithfield and Skipworth meadows today (the fields near the Learning Centre and road) so please make sure you shut the gates.
A fantastic view of a Sparrowhawk, which landed on edge of the patch of Gorse, the bow bending under its weight, as it stood up the long legs and yellow talons could easily be seen.
In the gully a completely black Blackbird caught the eye, none of the usual yellow legs or beak and the feathers dull not shiny.
A stroll to the clifftops where my morning’s highlight occurred, this being my first view of the autumn of a Guillemots. The whirr of wings skimming low across the water, landing with a splash in the sea where they bobbed. Of the 25 counted all were in there non-breeding plumage, where their white heads make them look to have longer bills and different shaped heads. The Guillemots will be coming back occasionally now for the next month or so before taking up there more permanent residence next spring.
In amongst the Tamarisk a Blackcap hopped alongside Chiffchaffs and Great Tits, with Blue Tits, Wren, Robin and Dunnock all flitting through the delicate fronds as well.
Last night Roe Deer, Fox, Rabbits and Pipistrelle Bats were all noted near the centre.