Okay. We had over one hundred small birds flying inland in flocks of around a score in number. Whilst I can say some were Greenfinches and others were Goldfinches there were other groups in the mix (most likely Linnets) which frustratingly had a challenge to identify they flit past overhead without landing! Over the wares it could only have been the Peregrine Falcon that soared past hugging the slopes!
I focused around the gully as often is my preference. A brief seaward search revealed a raft of 6 immature Guillemots upon the sea. Two more flew separately eastward off shore whilst a Gannet heading in the opposite direction. Most birds headed east although the clouds moved westwards. I was treated to the glory of the sun breaking through the clod over the sea. Golden fringed clouds gave way to a glorious energising orb. Upon the seaward edge Teasel and smaller Plantain seed heads were buffeted by the wind. My eyes watered and my hands became cold until I retreated! Gradually a spiralling score of Rock Doves (at least four being white) increased their flight height a spun out of the gully mouth inland. Above the gully mouth kedges two Rock Pipits put in an appearance whilst the lowest ledge was exposed holding temporary rock pools. Rolling waves with white crests crashed into the Portland stone. Beside the coast path steps a solitary Golden Samphire flower remained.
Amongst the Holm Oak near the mile markers sheltered at least twenty Jackdaw. I may have been mistaken but I thought it was a dozen Swallows that flew past relatively close to the ground! I chose to venture up through the gully mouth which was still influence by the wind, however, sun shone upon the east facing side. It was a delight to see, albeit docile, a live Bloody-nosed Beetle after having recently only seen dry empty beetle carcasses outside the gallery. As I climbed a straight path up the gully I must have been following mammal tracks. Looking right I then spot a pair of Roe Deer. After observing each other we went opposite directions as they ultimately climbed up to the Lighthouse. I counted five toadflax flowers upon one stem and an equal number of stems nearby! A pair of Stone Chats were revealed to me as I returned on Lighthouse Road to open up for our Reading University Meteorologists. So wrap up get out in the sun and watch the sea from the safety of the Castle and our coast path!