The bird song was amazing this morning with the sounds and sights of; Wood Pigeon Columba livia, Blackbird Turdus merula, Magpie Pica pica, Carrian Crow Corvus corone corone, House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Song Thrush Turdus philomelos, Goldcrest Regulas regulas, Robin Erithacus rubecula, Great-tit Parus major, Stonechat Saxicola torquata, Blue-tit Parus major and Rock pipit Anthus petrosus.
Above the tree canopy Herring Gulls Larus argentatus, glided around and a Raven Corvus corax croaked making a powerful noise above the gentle mellow feel of the secluded woods. A Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopus major was heard down in the aviaries but I was not able to spot it. The rain started to trickle through the gaps in the leafless trees, which seemed to make the Herring Gulls much more animated in noise and movement.
Working in the woods recently we found some beautiful Holly flowers, so I returned to the spot today to take a photo and have a closer look. Holly Ilex aquifolium is a familiar sight within British woodlands and hedgerows, recognised for its stiff leathery leaves and spiny margins and often used as a Christmas decoration. It has clusters of red berries which ripen in the autumn and at the moment beautiful tiny white 4 petalled flowers are appearing.
As I wondered and enjoyed the morning air and quietness of the woods so did a few other early morning walkers. Upon reaching the Castle a group of Jackdaws Corvus monedula flew above and landed on the Castle turrets. A group of Herring Gulls floated above the Great Globe some high enough they were almost hidden by the low cloud.
Down on the cliffs my favourite sight was the Fulmars Fulmarus glacialis, a spectacular group of 6+ were gliding along the contours of the cliffs. Easily identifiable by their stiff wings and gliding pattern, these expert flyers ride the up-draughts off cliff faces with ease. Watching them from eye level the cliff top gives a fantastic view and as the glide past only a few metres away their heads turn towards me. The Guillemot Uria aalge ledge was absolutely packed and on the water 40+ Guillemots and 20+ Razorbills Alca torda bob on the water.