Down to the cliffs this morning for a fix of the water and seabirds. From the sea the sound of growling and chuckling was wafting up, this coming from the 7 pairs of Razorbills which were bobbing about. Around them for comparison were a scattering of Guillemots, another 250 of which were on the ledges above.
Taking flight from half way up the cliffs was a Shag, its long neck and black body with still visible crest making identification easy. As it bobbed on the water it then leapt upwards to dive head-first into the underwater.
Zooming around the cliffs were 4 fantastic Fulmars, the thin straight wings allowing perfect control and quick turns and banking as they arrived at the cliffs, virtually brushing the rock face before moving round again – hours can be spent watching these masters of the sky.
Some smaller birds also catching my attention including Swallows trickling in from the continent, Meadow Pipits overhead and chasing around the cliffs 2 Rock Pipits.
The song of Dunnock, Robin, Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit and Chiffchaff a constant companion to my patrol.
In the gully a Willow Warbler was singing loudly, and after a bit of searching amongst the off-white blossom of Blackthorn, this greeny-yellow warbler was spotted.
The Green Woodpecker in flight is such a recognisable bird, the size, shape and undulating flight pattern so different to the other birds, that seeing the bright yellow rump, red beard and green colours was unnecessary!
The Early Spider Orchids are popping up all over the park, as I stood listening to a Raven, I noted around my 35 of the orchids as well as a few Early Purple Orchids.
The bright blue of the Chalk Milkwort on the short turf and in the meadows thousands and thousands of Cowslips providing an amazing yellow carpet.