The strong southerly wind was blowing across the sea, its route followed as the grey sheets of rain pounded down through the sky. Fantastic to admire but less wonderful as they landed on me in the very wet downpour.
Along the coast the waves were crashing over the ledges, producing spray to mix with the rain, however in between the water the sun came out and produced superb colour effects.
With my binoculars dried I was able to look out to sea to admire the brilliant white shape of a Gannet as it flew passed with another following on behind, both just skimming above the water, as they dipped their black wings tips showed.
Scanning the horizon a group of Guillemots whirred along, but none were on the cliff face today, instead just a Herring Gull perched for a while and above a Shag, probably a juvenile also sat looking out across the waves.
Our largest gull, the Great Black-backed Gull, glided by but as the gusts caught it a struggle ensued to rebalance its long wings.
Passing past the headland a flock of Kittiwakes, a lovely delicate gull, whilst further out a line of Scoter went, these small black sea ducks another bird flying low to the water.
Through the woodland the colours in the trees are looking magnificent. The Hazels a gorgeous yellow and gold, and the brilliant almost orange Beech leaves, Elms and Sycamore adding to the colour range.
No sign so far today of the Hume’s Leaf Warbler, but it may well still be around the Castle, alongside the Chiffchaffs, Blackcaps and Goldfinches seen there this morning.
In the woods the Grey Squirrels were chasing through the branches, disturbing the Jays, Wood Pigeons and Carrion Crows who were all perched prior to the mammals activity!
A quick look at the Hereford Cattle who are currently grazing in the Lighthouse field as part of our National Nature Reserve management.