I ventured out with hat, scarf and coat prepared for the wind chill factor! Around the centre Chaffinch, Chiffchaff and Robin were heard and a Rabbit briefly seen. I suspected it was a pair of Linnets which flew overhead. Meanwhile a Blackcap sang from a small clump of Holm Oak beside the wildlife garden.
Whilst one Carrion Crow swoop towards me from the Small Copse a few more of its partners called from the wood. On the wares I delighted in a pair of Early Spider Orchids growing upon from amongst young Bramble and Bristly Ox Tongue basal rosettes. Perhaps next year they will not be able to grow through the scrub. All this being reminder of how we are forever fighting natures desire to revert grassland to woodland! Nearby a six foot tall Horse Chestnut tree was in leaf but with clear evidence of having been browsed / damaged said tree, but helping us to fight succession.
Recently the Jackdaws have been in smaller groupings and appeared to be independently working, however, some fifteen later appeared as a Lighthouse green cluster. Upon the wares near the quarr workings an Early Purple Orchid did display a Pyramidal style flower cluster which confirmed reports from a visitor of a similar find near Dancing Ledge.
Fishing Vessel SU461 was very close in the gully then headed west only to be later followed by SE499. At the gully mouth Thrift was in flower on the coastal margin. I scanned the clay / limestone cliff edge and saw Solitary Bee holes but no bees and a range of spider webs. I headed upslope towards the Lighthouse and on the way it would have been easy to have stepped on more Early Spider Orchids. At the top I was greeted by a sward inspecting Jackdaw and flowering Spanish Bluebells. One Speckled Wood basked on the lighthouse garden wall.
The mini jackhammer sound of the elusive Grasshopper Warbler rang out beside the Lighthouse Bridge. Apprentice Ben and Dan passed by on the mule off to bring in burning sheets to store until winter.
With some reluctance I returned up hill to read the weather preferring to either spend more time bird watching or fishing off the rocks!