An early start to my patrol saw a Bullfinch perched on the top of a Hawthorn, the brilliant pink front of this male being highlighted by the sun, the white May blossom under foot. As the finch took flight the white rump became very obvious.
The sound of birdsong coming from the middle of a Bramble clump, the grey-headed Dunnock spotted alongside a calling Chiffchaff and the speeding song of a Chaffinch added to the variety.
Down near the lighthouse a Small Blue flitted about, its silvery wings contrasting with the darker uppersides. On the stem of a just flowering Bittersweet was the bubbles of Cuckoo Spit, with a Froghopper nymph hidden and protected inside.
Flowers galore wit 5 species of Orchid now to be discovered, including Early Spider Orchids which are now reaching the end of their flowering period, Early Purple Orchid and Green Winged Orchid on the downs, in the woods the Twayblades are out while Southern Marsh Orchids spotted for the first time today.
The banks in the lighthouse field are scattered with carpets of yellow Horseshoe Vetch and blue Chalk Milkwort, with elsewhere Eyebright, Bird’s-foot Trefoil and Salad Burnet being the most common flower.
Along the clifftop the rattling song of a Lesser Whitethroat pierced above the growling of the Guillemots and the cackling of the Fulmars.
From down on the water the splashing sound of the Guillemots could be heard as they turned and washed, removing the grime and bird guano from their feathers, this is collected as they sit on their eggs on the ledges for hours on end.
An enjoyable few moments spent watching a Rock Pipit strutting across the turf, eventually disturbed by a low flying Jay.
Near the Castle a good display of Bugle as well as more Cowslips, Cow Parsley and Green Alkanet.