Flustered flailing feet
Soar higher higher higher
Wings outstretched, steady
A cloudy and windy start to the day this morning. The abundance of Primrose flowers along caravan terrace have began to go over, steadily being replaced by emerging Ribwort Plantain, Hart’s Tongue Fern, and Woodsage. The edges of the coastpath a beginning to erupt into life as well, with bright blossoms of Hawthorn and Wayfaring Tree. Violet, Herb Robert and Mallow provide a hearty splash of colour below, amongst the ever-creeping strands of Clematis.
Above me a loud commotion breaks out amongst a pack of Greater Black-Backed Gulls. Chasing and calling out to one another with their beaks wide open. Their mighty wingspans stretch across to the full height of a person, making for an impressive sight as they circle above.
It’s windy and the sea has been churned up grey. But the Fulmars make good use of it, effortlessly soaring high without a flap of their wings. The cliff ledge is packed with Guillemots which fly to and from the water with a somewhat less elegant flight and crash landing! Towards the edge of the cliffs my attention is drawn to the bright white blossoms of Sea Campion and pink Sea Thrift.
In the woodland a pile of fresh woodchips at the base of an Ash Tree indicate the presence of a Greater Spotted Woodpecker. Sure enough three potential nesting holes can be seen above. Though further inspection reveals this bird may have drilled a little too much, as the large branch above has begun to break off, leaving it hung up in the tree – a task for the ranger team no less!
Nearby I seek out the Early Spider Orchid which has sprouted to great heights next a dry stone wall. It is adorned with 7 flowers and currently measures a height of 15 inches. These plants usually grow to a height of 3-4inches and sometime even less where exposed to the wind – making this specimen a true giant!