Stealthy Raptors out of sight, surprise their greatest asset
To find one you must search and scour most every face and facet
Sighting such majestic birds is sure no simple matter
Unless of course they’re handed to you on a silver platter
I started my morning with a gaze into the wildlife area, my binoculars resting comfortably on the top of the fence as I scanned the vegetation. Dog Rose were showing their Rosehips in abundance and tucked in between the green brown leaves of an Elder I spied the telltale black cap of a Blackcap. A few Swallows zipped overhead and I caught sight of a Chaffinch shaking its rear before I retired to a new location.
The Woodlands called loudest so I headed down Long Meadow to inspect them. The chattering of a pair of Grey Squirrels drew my attention, the two creatures spiralling round in a short tussle that might have been playful.
Fungi wise the cupboards were a little bare. A few Blushing Rosettes were still flashing their pink cheeks and the Marvellous Bays Polypore in the Aviary Glade has yet to depart. Besides these and the tattered remains of a few Pale Milkcaps I failed to spot anything. Hopefully the rains will bring more.
In the midst of my search I came across two lovers locked in an embrace among the leaves of the forest floor. I’m no expert, but after discreetly observing them I’d say they were common Black Slugs. These molluscs are hermaphrodites and capable of self-fertilisation, but prefer not to.
Passing a Hummingbird Hawkmoth fluttering briskly about the Castle I stopped at Caravan Terrace for a quick chat with the bird man who I was lucky enough to encounter. He directed my attention to a Goldcrest that had darted into the scrub above the exposed bedding planes there. He also reported sightings of Pied and Yellow Wagtails.
Ivy berries were forming in abundance along the Coast Path and as I approached the observation point I noticed how brisk the morning breeze was here. Not much chance of sighting birdlife, or so I though. Looking down on the cliffs ahead my eyes were immediately drawn to the sleek form and yellow flecked beak of a Peregrine Falcon. I raised my binoculars to confirm but then stopped as a Kestrel flew right below me, displaying its orange plumage and black tipped wings. If only birdwatching was always this easy.