Another fresh windy morning with the sea once again covered in lots of white crests, and bobbing on these were Guillemots, many having a wash and clean after spending time on the ledges caring for their young chick. But no sign of the Dolphins that appeared yesterday.
As I looked back along the rock face 2 Razorbills could be seen perched in full view – I really should have had a camera with me.
I was distracted by a flash passing by, the slate grey pointed wings and chunky body indicating Peregrine Falcon, a better view as it banked higher into the sky.
The sight of a hovering Kestrel showing how different in looks and lives, these two falcons are, as the long tail, delicate body and ability to stay in one place even in today’s 20mph winds.
My patrol took me back up across the downland and meadows where the wildflowers are fantastic.
Eyebright, Bird’s foot Trefoil, Horseshoe Vetch, Wild Thyme, Black Medic, Salad Burnet and Restharrow providing a short carpet of yellows, pink and greens.
A wonderful pink display of Sainfoin mixed with Ox-Eye Daisy and Pale Flax, with scattered about 4 species of Orchids – Pyramidal, Common Spotted, Southern Marsh and the Bee Orchid.
The rare Yellow Vetchling alongside Meadow Vetchling and the single cerise coloured flower of the Grass Vetchling adding more colour. Tufted Vetch and the Greater Knapweed just beginning to add dark purple to the palette.
Waving in the wind the baubles of Quaking Grass, while Meadow Barley, Crested Dog’s Tail, Tall Fescue, Yorkshire Fog and Cocksfoot just some of the other grasses.
A family of Common Whitethroat buzzed around the now flowering Elder bush, while both Meadow Pipits and Rock Pipits were easily spotted near the lighthouse.