What a change from yesterday’s glorious sunshine, today all is wet and grey!
So off to the meadows to check on a gate, slight adjustment made, and it is working well. The fields are again turning sodden with puddles appearing, the water shimmering amongst the tufts of green grass and a distinct squelch felt as I walked.
From the bottom of a patch of Blackthorn scrub came the loud call of a Wren, this small bird hidden somewhere within, while perched on the sheltered side was a Stonechat, the slightly orange breast and white collar providing some colour on this dullest of mornings.
Down to the coast where the seas were rolling in, providing a spectacular sight as they crashed into the cliffs, spraying salt water over the top, to add to the fresh water coming from the skies!
Skimming along just above the surface was a brilliant white Gannet. This, our largest of seabirds, was gliding westwards, standing out against the sea, its black wing tips also easily seen as it banked. Further out another of these magnificent white birds was passing.
In complete contrast, looking a but like a clockwork toy, a whirr of wings saw a Guillemot battling with the wind. A few more also spotted, struggling on way and then as they turn whizzing past with the wind as the flew in large circles.
A few more were on the water and a few on the large cliff ledge.
At the bottom of the gully a Rock Pipit was strutting, the streaky grey markings making it very well blended with its surroundings, fortunately it called regularly, a loud piping noise song.
Playing around in the Holm Oaks were Grey Squirrels, a Jay was perched on one of the branches and the tiny Goldcrests flitted through the undersides of the leaves.