The strong westerly wind was the biggest feature of the morning’s early patrol, with the sea churning all around, the white crests toppling as they rolled in towards the cliffs.
This weather generally sends the seabirds out to sea and today was no different with not a single Guillemot, Razorbill to be seen. However the all year resident Herring Gulls and Great Black-backed Gulls were still gliding about.
Down by the Lighthouse a Wheatear was perched on the wall, after a few minutes the bird took flight, showing its white rump as it flew off, as good view was then had of this newly arrived migrant as it landed once again further along the wall.
Amongst the yellow flowers of Gorse was a Stonechat just popping his black head above the shelter of the wind.
From overhead came the calling sound of a Meadow Pipit, soon followed by more, a group of 10 counted in all heading in a northerly direction.
Heading inland away from the coastal slopes the beautiful song of a Skylark was wafting down from above, the bird impossible to find amongst the low fog like cloud. These songbirds are starting to proclaim their territories above the fields ready for production of their young.
A few hedgerows now have a smattering of delicate white Blackthorn blossom, but most of the branches are still bereft, while the bright green of newly emerging Hawthorn leaves are providing more splashes of colour.
A flitter in the Cherry Blossom, saw some Long-tailed Tits, moving through the blossom, this is usually the first flowering tree each year and this year was no exception.
Accompanying me around the meadows was the tumbling song of the Chaffinch, the males now looking very smart in their buff, white and black plumage, their white wing flashes particularly noticeable as they perch in the branches of the bushes.
Through the woods the high pitched calls of Goldcrests contrasted ridiculously with the mournful twoo of a Tawny Owl.