A glorious morning, the sun rising above the calm sea, encouraging me to the clifftops to enjoy the view.
Looking south, a ridge was visible in the water and at this junction a mass of activity from seabirds, virtually invisible to the naked eye. Through binoculars I could see what looked like hundreds of Gulls, a variety of species but including Great Black Backed, Herring and Black-headed for a start.
On even closer inspection an occasional black fin of a Dolphin poked through the water, too far away to identify properly, but still a good sighting.
Back below the cliffs 21 Razorbills were on the water, the white stripe on their thick bills flashing as they wafted up and down. Theses auks were amongst their close relatives the Guillemots of which 80+ were on the water and another 100+ on the cliff ledge.
A Shag flapped past, its crest visible as it travelled, flying in the opposite direction towards Dancing Ledge, was a Cormorant, which was showing its white breeding mark under its wing.
As I stood on the coast path a Fulmar was circling in large loops, reminding me of my “Fantastic Birds” quote in the ’Round-the-year’ four-screen show in the Castle.
Suddenly, appearing from around the rock face, a chunky body with swept back wings, a superb view of this Peregrine Falcon, as it drew closer the yellow eye ring and yellow feet could also be seen.
At the other extreme the squeaking call of a Rock Pipit caught the ear, and this small brown / grey bird was flitting amongst the limestone.
Munching on the short grass on the gully slopes was a Rabbit, a much less common creature than in the past, so a welcome sight, they are a very important part of the grazing mix here.
A noisy squawk and a Jay gently crossed the open dip landing on the branches of the old Yew tree.