As I started my walk a Swallow swooped past me, its dark blue easily seen as it went, while another few followed on behind.
Down to the cliffs today where the water was scattered with white and black blobs as the Guillemots and Razorbills bobbed and washed on the sea. The air filled with both the growling sound and the strong fishy odour as I neared the ledge packed with 100’s of birds. Have a look at the latest video from the cliff camera, while chicks should be hatching any day soon.
Amongst the small ledges a Greater Black-backed Gull was sitting tightly on its nest, as was nearby a Herring Gull. A Fulmar soared by, always a joy to watch this magnificent bird, as it flies in large circles with straight wings.
From below came the incessant piping call of an Oystercatcher, sounding like it was echoing – until I found two of these stunning black and white waders.
The cliffs area wash with the pale pink Thrift, a mass contrast to the deep cerise pink of the Gladiolus. Carpets of Kidney Vetch the other main flower at present, buzzing around this was a Small Blue and a Dingy Skipper butterfly – neither well named as far as I am concerned.
Hanging on the stems of Sea Campion (as well as most other plants) dollops of Cuckoo Spit, the white froth containing a tiny Froghopper nymph as it grows.
The constant chatting of Stonechats could be heard across the downs, (at least 8 pairs) making it a good year for these, as it seems to be for Linnets, a good view of their pink chests as they perched on the top of a Gorse bush.
Goldfinches and Greenfinches both at the top of an Elder. While Common Whitethroats scratched noisily from the Blackthorn and on a blossom covered Hawthorn was a Lesser Whitethroat.
Around the Lighthouse a Rock Pipit fluttered and sung, and a Pied Wagtail strutted. Overhead a Grey Wagtail and a Siskin passed.