The early dull cloud cover lifting as I took my patrol to reveal the deep blue sky, spotted by fluffy grey clouds. Against this a Kestrel hung in the sky, the pale mottled brown belly showing up.
Down to the cliffs today, but sadly no Guillemots about, however a fantastic view of a Gannet. This large seabird was in turn skimming low to waves on very straight flat wings then rising up on bent wing, before dropping again. Just great to watch, especially with the sun catching the brilliant white wings, making the contrast with the black tips even greater.
At the bottom of the gully, between Tilly Whim and the lighthouse was a Black Redstart, the flashing of the red tail alerting me with a glimpse to its existence.
As I watched this small charcoal grey bird, the tail was constantly flicking up and down, the red visible as it splayed the feathers out.
When the Black Redstart disappeared and I swept about with my binoculars more species of the ‘Chat’ family appeared, with the red breast of a Robin easily spotted as it perched on the top of a large Blackthorn bush.
On the next pile of scrub, covered in clambering Old Man’s Beard, was a Stonechat, whose white wing flashes, white collar and pale orange belly all made for easy identification. The movements of these three species all fairly similar.
The farmland is quite boggy in places, the clay under the soil channelling the water near the surface in some places. Paddling in one of these muddy puddles was a Wood Pigeon, while in another three Jackdaws seemed to be enjoying the water.
Squawking across the sky line a Jay, white rump and blue wing flash catching the eye.
The hedgerows are still covered in berries with Haws, Sloes, Rosehips and low down the bright orange sacks of Stinking Iris.
Across the sky a small charm of 19 or so Goldfinches ‘tinkled’ as they passed.