Twenty five Goldfinches were heard flying overhead, however, I later managed to see an individual calling from the centre of down land scrub. Such a distinctive red face with black eye markings. Perhaps they would be better called Golden Winged Finches!
Initially a trio of Long Tailed Tits were seen near the car parks. However, I later encountered a clan of nine amongst the Tamarisk above the Tilly Whim steps! These chatty birds are often heard before being seen in their family groups.
Guillemots again huddled within their sea cliff cave, although today they appeared to be in closer groups perhaps in order to keep warm in the chill wind! A pair of Rock Pipits skirted the cliff tops between the gully mouth and below Anvil Point. At the gully mouth a golden streak of sunlight reached out across the sea. Temporary rock pools were formed upon the varied levels of the rock ledges meeting the sea.
Temporary electric fencing has been installed preparing for grazing the lower gully, so some unofficial walking routes are out of service! This fence line should keep the cattle below Lighthouse road. At this point I heard then saw a Raven land behind me upon the lower mile marker. After a short while the Raven took off seaward to scan the sea cliffs towards the castle. Perhaps it was eying up potential future Guillemot egg supply based on the number of early visitors. Today some forty Jackdaws were seen coast side.
It was a relatively still and quiet gully this morning. Of course Blackbirds, Robins and Wrens were heard. At the Lighthouse Road Bridge I was lucky to catch sight of a Bullfinch and a neighbouring Blue Tit. I scanned the coastal down land slopes facing into the gully and noted a Wood Pigeon sized bird sat in the bare branches of an Elder. However, closer inspection and the bird’s flight revealed grey and brown colouration with striped pattern. It was joined by another which turned out to be Sparrow Hawks. One caused a verbal response from a Carrion Crow whilst the other later appeared out of the Small Copse. Both a Jay and Green Woodpecker were seen silently flying without calling that is until the latter landed! It is forecast clear skies for tonight stargazing at 19:30!