Upon arrival I was met with a steady breeze and dark clouds to the west. Reservoir Copse provided a rendezvous point for a cackling bunch of Jackdaws. A pair of Magpies near the centre were perhaps looking for nest to squander. Out at sea were a few angling vessels, however, some thirty Guillemots headed west as they flew low over sea past the gully mouth. Rain appeared to fall off shore. At 11am Nick Gadenne photographed a Sunfish off the observation point and again our single Gannet was diving close to shore!
Above the mile markers were several Pyramidal Orchid flowers heads, whilst Mallow flowers skirted the concrete base of a mile marker. Plenty of Yellow Wort was out on the bare ground and beyond. Cushions of Wild Thyme appeared often associated with Ant Hills. Yellow flower spikes of Agrimony were seen and delicate Cross Wort flowers even crept into the rock escarpment. Whilst I saw the dark stems of Ragwort I felt there were not sufficient quantity nor clarity at this stage to occupy a rag wort pulling school group. Rest Harrow flowers were evident but upon the Lighthouse Road cutting side where no harrow would go!
A couple of Rabbits put in an appearance on the gully slopes. A Green Woodpecker flew upslope and perched upon the side of a telegraph pole. Later one was heard near the gully bridge and another seen near the Small Copse. A trio of Carrion Crow departed from the Lighthouse calling as their journey commenced. It was a Chiff Chaff that occupied the overhead wire happily broadcasting its already clear song.
Striations were heard and Grasshopper seen (but not identified today) whilst Adonis Blue, Small Blue, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood, Gate Keeper and possibly two Grayling were seen. Briefly a Dragonfly was seen flying over South Field.
I could not help but think about our forthcoming visit by the Rude Mechanicals Theatre Company. On Saturday night they will perform Oberon’s Cure which I am certain will be entertaining. Tickets currently available!