Upon exiting the tree cover, whilst descending the diagonal path, I spied ahead of me a Fox. Said mammal paused, about turned and gently picked something up between its teeth (I fox cub I believed) and disappeared into the cover beside the Goat Plot. Not watching over us, but up above perched on the ladder of the upper Mille Marker ladder was a preoccupied, preening Kestrel.
Path side increasing growth of Hemp Agrimony, Wood Sage and Honeysuckle was evident. Upon Wild Madder there were spots of Cuckoos Spit protecting Leaf Hopper larvae inside. A Lesser Bloody Nose Beetle disappeared off the baked clay cattle track into the Tor Grass cover. At ground level a tiny Grasshopper, which could have sat on the stub end of a pencil! A first instar yet to grow and to shed its skin several time before adulthood!
Guillemot ledge occupancy was such that half a dozen birds perched upon the sloping bolder. On the water below were another thirty such birds predominantly preening. One Razorbill was seen amongst them. There was a distinct absence of Fulmar flight for a change. However, two Rock Doves that passed between cliff perches travelled with wings held in a “V” shape thus resembling Angels, I thought! Earlier their speeding flight created a ripping sound as they passed through the air like fighter jets. Meanwhile, another pair were content to sit above the inscription “Look around and read…”, which perhaps they were doing!
Amongst the Sea Campion and Thrift a plum colour Valerian bloom added additional colour. I peered over the edge near Tilly Whim ledge wondering if there might be signs of Kidney Vetch. instead it was found beside the bedrock steps down into the gully. Only one bud had begun to open to show tips of yellow petals and fluffy down.
As I walked up the gully floor a Magpie and Jackdaw left for the lighthouse. The later joined its partners and perched upon a chimney stack previously occupied by a Herring Gull. A male Stonechat appeared to be ushered on his way by a female.
The gully floor bloomed with Hawthorn and Apple blossom. The cherry gall bearing Oak tree was examined and compared with a neighbouring Ash tree. Upon that basis I chose not to provide a rainfall prediction for the year ahead! Upon Tamarisk fresh catkins resembled an elongated cluster of sesame seeds.