I little chiller today compared to yesterday’s glorious weather but gorgeous light for bird spotting. Great-tit, Sparrow and Song Thrush all heard as I entered the Country Park. A pair of Blackbirds flitted along the footpath and a Chaffinch weaved its way through the tall hedge-line trees. Beautiful Blackthorn blossom is starting to cover the meadow edges and lush green/red leaves are bursting out from the pink buds of the Sycamore tree.
Primrose, Cowslip and Lesser Celandine are all creating lovely yellow hues across the meadows. In the distance a Green Woodpecker calls and a Robin sang from an Elder tree also just starting to come into leaf. Two Carian Crows were sat in South field happily roaming around until a Raven flew over loudly crocking as it went. On of the Crows quickly flew up to chase the Raven, the huge size of which is so visible when flying next to a Crow. The Crow finally caught up with the Raven giving it a shove before retreating to its mate in the meadow.
A Wren was calling from within a Gorse bush and as the Holm Oak leaves rustled in the wind a Bluetit chirped from a branch. At the top of Lighthouse field two Greenfinches moved around the scrub patches, a Blackcap, Dunnock and a Robin also seen in this area. There seems to be lots of Linnets at the moment and today a few also seen in Lighthouse field, along with a charm of Goldfinches.
As I walked down past the mile markers the wind whistling through them sounded like the laugh of the Guillemots, excited to go and see if they were there today, I headed to the coast. Three Cormorants flew overhead as I descended, and Great Black-backed Gulls hugged the cliffs as they flew East.
The sky was so dramatic today, the small amount of sun peering through the thick grey cloud was shining brightly on the calm, still water and the striking navy horizon made a distinct contrast between sea and sky. With the sea so calm the Guillemots and Razorbills were super easy to spot and count, 100 + Guillemots on the water, a packed ledge and 30 Razorbills on the water. An exposed rock close to the waters edge also covered in Guillemots and a Shag. Fulmars circled the cliff and Jackdaws flew in the nesting material.
Along the diagonal path I was unable to walk a few steps with out seeing a different bird, it seemed they were all hanging out in the same area today. Stonechat, Linnet, Wren, Greenfinch, Chiffchaff, Blue tit, Siskin, Chaffinch, Great-tit, Goldfinch and Dunnock were all seen in this area.