This morning belonged to Goldfinches which were a constant feature throughout my walk. Charms range for a score to sixty in number. Hundreds were seen this morning chattering as they flew. Some Goldfinches migrate to France and Spain so perhaps this was their goodbye for the winter. A pair of Magpies crossed the diagonal path which had gorse flowers either side. The measured mile markers were being the winds vocal cords.
Two Rock Pipits sheltered between the capstone of the cliff top drystone wall. A solo Goldfinch perched in Elder amongst Tamarisk by Tilly Whim steps. The bird soon joined its fellows when a charm passed overhead. Offshore a Gannet flew west low over the water. A Shag followed suit, although it arched out from the cliffs. The Shag later rode the swell off Anvil Point. Greater Black Backed Gulls also went west. In the opposite direction flew individual Herring Gulls and a cliff side Peregrine Falcon. Some dozen Guillemot had plenty of space in their cave ledge. Such birds were seen flying out to sea but from other cliff perches.
The two blow holes roared at the gully mouth. Their spots were blown out to sea today. Waves cashed into the Portland Limestone creating briny waterfalls. One male Stonechat was seen below the Lighthouse. At the seaward foot of the complex’s wall Sea Campion flowers were found. Jackdaws loitered about Lighthouse Green. Under the overhead wires I observed more Goldfinches resting in the tops of Sycamore in the gully. The wires wailed in the wind, perhaps explaining why the birds were not resting upon them. A Green Woodpecker called as it flew thus revealing its location! Amongst the Goldfinches perched beside the horseshoe shaped road bridge I was lucky to find one Siskin. It had a large yellow bib and a striped beast.
Beside the Small Copse two Raven silently flew past. I admired our recently completed fence line (which will one day be replaced by a rebuilt dry-stone wall) which was keep the Herford Cattle in South Field. Kindly close all gates on the park! Winter Gnats and one Bumblebee were seen on the wing. Worms presence had been indicated by mud worm casts.