Drizzle blowing across the park this morning was the welcome for the duty Ranger, my binoculars covered in water droplets immediately, I had stopped just outside the Centre to watch a Goldfinch as it hopped around the tops twigs of the Sallow. A gorgeous bird with red, black, white and gold feather colours. From higher above came the tinkling call of another Goldfinch followed by another and another, all landing in the branches.
Off to check on the Hereford cattle who are working hard munching their way through the long grass and flower remains we were unable to cut this year on the back meadows, a few hoof prints to avoid along with the large pats!
A squawk of a Jay captured my attention and altered my chosen route as I followed this buff pink bird with a flashy blue wing marking into the woods.
Many of the leaves have turned a wonderful variety of golds, oranges, browns and yellows, not all have yet fallen so peering up the Elm stems a small mixed flock of birds could be made out. Further investigation and patience allowed the tiny Goldcrests to be seen, as were Blue Tits, Great Tits and the smaller black headed Coal Tit.
Further along the path a flock of Long-tailed Tits flitted back and forwards between the Privet, Sycamore and Snowberry.
Down to the clifftop where the white feathers of a Feral Pigeon flashed as it jinked, this was very soon followed by the slate grey Peregrine Falcon hot on its heels (if it has them). As I watched the Pigeon flitted round and the Peregrine seemed to give up, floating back along the cliffs allowing a superb view of this magnificent bird of prey.
Not much else in evidence except a Great Black-backed Gull, and no sign of yesterday’s Bottlenose Dolphins or Guillemots.
At the top of the gully Stonechat, Chaffinch and a Bullfinch all spotted and a couple of Redwings were in the depths of a Holly bush.