We are now reaching the end of the cutting season with only 1 more week to go, so the past few weeks have been all systems go with areas like the East West drove being one of the areas we have cut. The amazing wildlife corridor is a fantastic habitat for a variety of species, every couple of years it needs to be cut back to let new growth come through and keep the mosaic of habitats. This year we have done a combination of clearing some low-lying Brambles, widening the footpath, exposing traditional dry-stone walls, thinning some of the overhanging Ivy and hedge-laying sections of Blackthorn, Elder, Rose, Ash and Hawthorn. While walking along here this morning small birds were enjoying the shelter and uncovered earth; Chaffinch, Robin, Wren and Blackbird were all seen, I will now look forward to watching the Butterflies and other invertebrates enjoy this area in a few months’ time.
A little further along I spotted a Bullfinch, this beautiful compact finch is bull-necked has a plump body a deep ‘podgy’ bill. Also recognised by its bright pink-red underparts, long wings and tail. Its call is a short whistle or fluted note, low-pitched, discreet, usually with a melancholy ring.
In the meadows the yaffle of Green Woodpecker rang out and as I turned to see it three Roe Deer bound across the field heading south.
Spending lots of time buried in scrub this week I had a refreshing walk down on the clifftop; a Shag flew low to the water its curly crest in full view. The star of the show today was the Great Black-backed Gull, 4 were flying high along the clifftop enjoying the thermals as they rode the strong Southerly winds. 3 Fulmars were also making a spectacular show circling around the high ledges, flying and turning with ease.
Looking further out another 4 Great Black-backed Gulls were flying together above a small gathering of Guillemots, while a ‘Tern’ flew to the west. 30 Guillemots were sat on a ledge and on the water close to the cliffs 10 Guillemots and 20 Razorbills bobbed around on the waves. The Peregrine sat high on the cliffs observing the action below and a few Rock Pipits flitted around the high grass slopes. Walking back to the centre Long-tailed Tits, Chaffinch and Goldfinches were also seen.