Todays walk began with a search around the garden. Peering into the clear waters of the pond all was still (on the surface at least). A scattering of Great Pond Snails around the edge of the water was the only life spotter. Most were empty but 2 live snails were spotted. On such a grey day my eyes were drawn to erratic splashes of colour amongst the grass. A single Yarrow in flower, one White Clover, a Dogwood flower, three Common Daisies, Herb Robert gleaming pink/purple, and a lonely pink Bramble rose all painted the scene that little bit brighter.
The recently cleaned and filled bird feeders have been very popular. This morning Gold Finches, Great Tits, Blue Tits, and House Sparrows were all breaking their fast to the sound of the wind howling overhead.
Venturing out into the park and turning towards the coast a Song Thrush singing its vibrant call could be heard down by the goat plot. Past the mile markers and down towards the cliff tops gorgeous crepuscular rays shone a deep peach colour over the channel as a dense rain shower to the south scowled threateningly. The sea raged and the skies livened. Great Black Backed Gulls soared high, Shags skimmed low, and Guillemots sprinted out from their perch shortly turning back. Breakfast could wait.
Turning towards the gully a Rock Pipit was heard and later seen clinging to the rocks by Tilly Whim, a large flight of Wood Pigeons, 60 to 70 strong, whirred and wheeled by. A pair of Shags rode the waves together dipping in and out of view. Waves smashed and crashed against the cliff, spray soaking me as I watched the show.
Stopping to check an electric fence a Peregrine glided low over the eastern crest of the gully and onwards. A fleeting yet thrilling sight. Up the gully a pair of Stone Chats sat amongst bramble huddled from the chill wind. The scrub below the lighthouse thronged with activity, birds flitting hither and thither seemingly oblivious to the ruckus below.
Turning back a Song Thrush sat on power lines surveying the morning, two pairs of cranky Crows clamoured above, and tiny Banded Snails littered the ground. A turn around the small copse, a “morning” to the cows, and I was back at the learning centre. The last sighting was of the Black Redstart that had appeared yesterday being badgered by a Robin on the roof.