A gorgeous early morning for a patrol, with the sun rising slowly above the horizon producing magnificent colours, with pinks, yellows and oranges.
This morning’s highlight, other than just being out was the sight of a large female Adder basking on the rocks face by Tilly Whim, her body stretched out along the rocks, flattened to the surface while she soaked up the warmth of the sun’s rays. On inspection with the binoculars her twinkling eye could be seen but there was no movement to be detected.
Looking seaward the water and cliffs were empty of the usual seabirds, not a single Guillemot, Razorbill or Fulmar in the vicinity, probably decided to leave before yesterday’s storm and will return in a day or two.
However Herring Gulls, Great Black Backed Gulls and Shags all to be spotted, while on the cliffs the report of a Kestrel enjoying the perch, until disturbed by a group of rowdy Jackdaws.
Into the woods where the echoing sound of a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker could be heard easily, as could the twittering of Long-tailed Tits, Great Tits and Blue Tits.
A pair of Bullfinches were perched in the branches of the European Spindle, while amongst the many shiny leaves of the Japanese Spindle was a Robin, singing loudly from the perch as his red breast was just being lit by the sunlight.
A quick look at the variety of evergreen plants in the woods, spotted Privet, Holly, Ivy, Spurge Laurel which is one of the very few plants with new red berries at this time of year and Cherry Laurel which currently has small green flowers, plus the Holm Oak amongst a number of others. At the top of one of the Macrocarpas a Carrion Crow was calling loudly.
A patch of pale lilac Spring Crocus caught my eye, taking me away from the Hazel which currently has the yellow dangly catkins, tiny clumps of red flowers and the slightly furry branches
Over the Bay a Buzzard was circling, and 2 Ravens croaked as they displayed to each other, a couple of impressive tumbles as they passed.