The squeaky pump sound of Bullfinches greeted the start of my early patrol, as 3 of these superb birds flew above me and then landed in the branches of the Hawthorn. The bright pink chest contrasting beautifully with the pale grey back and jet black head – just gorgeous to see in the early sunlight.
Trotting across the path ahead of me were 2 Roe Deer, at my clumsy approach they sprang into action bounding up and over the turf their white rumps flashing as they disappeared amongst the thick Blackthorn scrub.
Down to the clifftops where the sound of growling Guillemots could be heard easily, on looking along the cliffs the ledge was packed with these little chocolate brown and white birds, a quick count revealed well over 150.
Perched on the rocks a Peregrine Falcon, a perfect position for a brilliant view, of this the fastest bird in the world! Dark yellow talons gripping the rock edge, speckled front with off-white bid capped by a deep grey head, whose eyes are masked in black.
As I watched, the crashing sound of a Hereford cow as she pushed her way through the yellow flowering Gorse, their hides well protected against the thousands of vicious spikes of the Gorse ‘leaves’.
On the ground by Tilly Whim two large black birds, upon checking the shaggy neck and huge bill made for easy identification as Ravens. When they took flight the long fingered wings also showed well, their movement was accompanied by a deep croak as they moved towards the cliffs.
Mixed amongst the tumbling fronds of Old Man’s Beard were 2 Stonechats, who then popped out from the tangle and perched in full view. Skulking lower in this clump was a Dunnock and a Wren.
This morning’s sunrise seemed to take ages as I waited for the sun to squeeze above the low band of cloud, the many aeroplane trails lit up across the sky.
The call of a Redwing drew my attention away from the Goldfinches I was watching on the Willow tree which was also being used by Song Thrushes and Blackbirds.