My highlight today was to see instead of only hearing a Yellow Hammer on the boarder between 6 and 10. However, it was a Whitethroat morning with some appearing to briefly sing was station keeping in the air rather like a Skylark (off which at least four I heard). Of course there were plenty of Blackcap calls, song and activity. One Swift was seen on the wing (how else?) whilst I sent up ten Jackdaws from the ground in Saxon Field from where they ventured onto South Field. Also actively seeking food on amongst the grass was a solo Carrion Crow whom soon flew off and responded to a call from a fellow. After I climbed up the ridge from the Lighthouse a Magpie sat to welcome me!
There were still plenty of Early Purple Orchids & Cowslips in Saxon Field. Out on the coastal downs a Green Winged Orchid stem display flowers which were both blue and white. Several of the Early Spider Orchids were appearing to go over. As yet none of the Hemp Agrimony has flowered. I went in search of Vipers Bugloss which I expected appears in like house road cutting. However, its stablemate Green Alkanet can be seen in flower on the castle approach. Despite its name a brown – red dye can be extracted from its roots! Pale Flax is in flower whilst as yet only the distinctive leaves of Yellow Vetchling were seen.
Half way through I realised I should have sharpened my pencil!
As I returned to the Centre the coastal call of Herring Gulls rang out.