A Green Woodpecker appeared from nowhere and the gully amplified its calls, only to disappear under the canopy of a sycamore. Around the small copse there were calls from a Raven and Carrion Crows seeing the former off. I caught up with the Raven upon the ground near the mile markers where I glimpsed its stout pitch black beak. One Kestrel hovered over the walling centre and as it spread its tail feathers it looked as if a few were missing. Later I thought I saw two Kestrels with one above another, at least from my perspective!
Stems of Marjoram were just off the Lighthouse Road and their crushed leaves gave a sweet smell of Oregano. A stronger scent remained upon the hands from them stem of a Hogweed. In places this plant has set seeds. A male Dark Green Bush Cricket escaped capture thanks to its long, slender, athletic back legs. Looking like a miniature Mr. Whippy Ice Cream was a Pointed Snail (Cochlicella acuta).Initially I thought there were Aphids upon a Blackthorn’s leaves but closer inspection revealed them to be leaf galls. Some gully Sloes had started to ripen taking on a purple colour. Under a dry dead Elder log were the inevitable Woodlouse and some small Spider tents hugging the flattened Gorse. Under a stone I found, work Meadow Ant workers, grubs and winged Queens preparing to establish new colonies.
I was surprised to find an unusual bicycle parked at the top of the gully steps. The rider politely accepted the fact that he could only ride on Bridleways and cycle routes which rarely includes the coast path.