Today the Jay put in a regular appearance, initially on the approach road, then car park, again between coast-path and goat plot only to go up then down the gully. Such a colourful Holm Oak acorn spreader! Both Robins and Blackbirds were most obvious with alarm calls and territory statements. Clearly the Wren is a small bird and I have come to associate it with low lying Bramble which grows just above taller grass. On seeing such a suspect tail flicking bird, which only disappeared upon my approach, my patience was later rewarded as the Wren reappeared from cover showing its delicate detail.
I find it a challenge identifying rapid moving flocks of birds, however, up thirty Goldfinches passed over head going eastward. Three Chaffinches put in an appearance near the walling centre. Birds heard but not seen included a Raven and a Cockerel whilst at least one Bumblebee was heard flying by.
In the gully I like to study the rock outcrops in hope I spotting a Peregrine. Thinking I was in luck I was to discover instead a Rabbit grazing the light vegetation between Blackthorn scrub and rock outcrop, thankfully helping to keep this geological feature and habitat exposed! There were signs of a Fox with faeces containing Sloe pips beside the “Pat & John” stone bench above the Quarr. Below said bench a few Eyebright flowers remained whilst elsewhere Red Clover and a Knapweed. Both Tamarisk and Blackthorn branches were brightened with orange Xanthoria species lichen.
Herring Gulls broadcast their evocative coastal call, one which has become familiar inland too! Said gulls were riding thermal off the cliff faces whilst one was observed preening its breast feathers whilst upon a cliff ledge. Greater Black Backed Gulls patrolled up and back along the coastal cliff face. Our inevitable Jackdaws (15 max) were ever presence as were Magpies and Carrion Crows. Whilst stand above Tilly Whim / the Gully mouth a Rock Pipit put in a fleeting appearance on the cliff edge. Whilst the sea looked calm its gentle rolling waves in places lapped the shore whilst in others a light clash of spray occurred.
I was glad to remove my wellingtons and recover my socks! Due to yesterday’s rain areas of path were sticky mud. Yesterday a group of young people undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Award helped me to remove some leaf litter build up the coastal under tree cover making one are less slippery!