This morning, on my final day of my work placement, I met Paul in Holcombe Meadow, after having walked in from home, through Townsend. High above on the East- West Drove we witnessed a Kestrel hovering, almost motionless, except for slight twitches of the head, scanning the field below.
Greater Knapweed flowers were visited by both Marbled Whites and Six-spot Burnet Moth in Holcombe meadow. The butterfly pale, almost matching the flowers, the moth a striking black and scarlet.
Towards the cliff edge a trio of Swifts darted through their air noiselessly, close to the spot we previously noticed a solitary Green Woodpecker, which would be followed by one, two then three others, before departing.
From the cliff edge we spied large mass bobbing in water and what we originally thought to be a buoy, revealed itself to be a Seal, before disappearing under the waves. Around 10 metres above the Guillemot cave, sat completely lifeless, suggesting, the young may have fully fledged and be out at sea with their parents. Despite this we later observed the cave to occupied from the castle camera, which may have been birds which have not bred or relaxing. A Sandwich Tern with its black head and forked tail soared over head.
A Grey Squirrel leapt through the branches of Pear tree, which hung over the stone bridge its sides populated by Rough Hawk- Bit which peaked over the walls, making full use of the meagre soil deposits.
The soil below the Gulley Mouth, was peppered with tiny holes, seemingly populated by Solitary Bees, which were along with flies avoiding several raggedy webs.
On the rocky outcrops adjacent to the Lighthouse, several late flowering Sea- Campions could be seen, along with group of White Stone-Crop on the light-house perimeter wall, characterised by their succulent green leaves and small white flowers.
Down the side of the quarry Rest -Harrow created an impenetrable barrier for any plough, able to traverse the sheer slope.