Stinging Nettles displayed their dangling effervescence beside Lighthouse Road. Flower buds appeared to be developing upon the Ivy cloaking some Blackthorn. The former is usually has the last flowers to emergence and provides the last fruit bodies for Birds and Mammals to feed upon.
On the bridge to caravan terrace only half the Buddleia flowers still had colour whilst upon the terrace itself said shrub was smothered with Old Man’s Beard. However, this sun spot was great for butterflies and included: Marbled White; Large White; Silver Washed Fritillary; Small Blue. Upon Hemp Agrimony near the Noon Bench Wasps, Bees and Flies (all important pollinators) were joined by Red Admiral and Painted Lady butterfly. Opposite the Dolphin Watcher’s shelter appropriate a Wall Brown (Red to me!) lingered beside the coastal dry stone wall.
Below the castle staff and volunteers had done an excellent job trimming the Tamarisk to maintain the cliff top sea views. Down at the water’s edge a good score of Shag rested up a low ledge. As I disturbed a Wood Pigeon on the coast path it in turn sent a Dragonfly up too high for me to identify. A pair of Rock Pipits reliably were seen at the Gully Mouth. Otherwise a pair of Great Back Gulls were seen off shore and Herring Gulls were heard.
Off shore a Tug vessel “Kingston” headed west with its distinctive sound reverberating.
I was delighted to finally see one spike with lemon and custard flowers indicating Bastard Toadflax was still beside Lighthouse Road in the wares. Whilst taking the weather readings the score of Jackdaws which flew inland represented the largest flock of the morning. At least one House Sparrow still lingered near its nest on the corner of the centre roof.
Another busy day ahead –must fly!