The buzz of a queen Buff-tailed Bumble Bee accompanied the start of my patrol, this furry insect probably prospecting for a nesting site amongst the tufts of plant and bare earth. As I watched my attention was drawn to the iridescent green flies that were whizzing nearby, stopping occasionally to enable me to see the white face marking and brown head.
A gorgeous wander along the cliff top provided a fantastic view of the Peregrine Falcon as it sped by, it was carrying a small bird in its talons, the thin spindly legs of its prey dangling behind. Later a view of a second Peregrine, a paler bird, flying slowly along the coast.
At Tilly Whim, really good views – once I had spotted them amongst the leaves of the Ivy and Lords of Ladies – of a female Adder to the east and a male to the west. The silver and black zigzag markings of the male showing beautifully as it slid slowly across the ground. The dark and light brown female was flattened and stationary soaking up the warmth of the sunshine.
Down on the cave ledges, which are part of the wildlife sanctuary area, a Black Redstart hopped about, the charcoal black body contrasting with the white wing flash and the flash of a red tail – lets hope he attracts a female to join him!
On the water a small group of Guillemots and Razorbills bobbed, while the main ledge was completely empty.
A Shag was also on the water, the sunshine just catching its green sheen and silhouetting the long thin crest. Circling around 3 Fulmars with another on the cliffs, heard as it cackled at them as they passed by.
This morning no sign of the Wheatear which arrived yesterday (our first of the year), but they often turn up during the day so keep an eye out for these very smart African migrants.
On the green a small flock of 6 or so Meadow Pipits, calling as they took off. In the pussy covered Willow in the gully a Bullfinch was perched, the brilliant pink chest catching my eye as did the black chest strip of the otherwise yellow Great Tit, contrasting markedly with the brown Chiffchaffs, Wren and Dunnocks which were in the same area.