A whole lotta Robins are mobbing the park
They’re gobbing, hobnobbing and having a lark
The Robins were jobbin as Christmas card stars
Now the Robins are sobbin cos Christmas is past
There were a lot of Robins in the Car Park this morning as I crossed to Long Meadow, the air filled with a fascinating medley of intertwining songs. A few Great and Blue Tits also chimed in and in the skies above a passing Kestrel stopped to hover briefly overhead before continuing its search for breakfast.
The loud screech of a Jay resounded from the tree cover as I entered, passing along a less traveled path in the hopes of finding some fungi. No luck I’m afraid. I disturbed a Grey Squirrel sitting atop a dry-stone wall as I passed and it bounded up the trunk of a nearby Holm Oak.
Down by the water a few Shags flapped heavily eastward, with three Herring Gulls gliding above in a much more relaxed fashion. Landward, I could make out the calls of Wrens and a flock of around 20 Jackdaws were nestled at the viewpoint. A raft of around 65 Guillemots and 15 Razorbills (rough count) floated atop the gently lapping waves.
I also spotted two Peregrines squatting on a pair of rocky outcrops. Gazing at them through my binoculars they refused to make eye contact. A little rude if you ask me.
Out on the downs I quickened my pace, trying to get in a quick check of the Hereford Cattle on my rounds. On the way I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a low flying Sparrowhawk, as well as a Buzzard perched atop a distant Hawthorn. Four raptors in one day, not bad at all.
One brisk jog later and I was back at the Learning Centre, only five minutes late. On a completely unrelated note, tonight is Burns Night, get ready to get stuck in when those Chapmen Billies leave the street!