It was a delightful morning after yesterday’s afternoon of thunder and lightning! An Ash tree showed fresh leaves and opening flowers whilst clinging on to last years dry masts. Nearby the Field Maple crown was nearing completion. Before entering the open part of the diagonal path, I had to pass underneath a pair of Grey Squirrels a Sycamore.
Along the cliffs, pink Thrift flowers are emerging from dense cushions of leaves, with Sea Campion also forming drifts of gently bobbing flowers. Clear views were to reveal a passing Gannet and Shag. I was excited by Hamish’s report of two passing waders in the form of Whimbrels. From the path edge a Carrion Crow emerged with what looked like Rabbit droppings or perhaps shrivelled fruits in its beak. From the cliff edge I heard the croaks of hidden Ravens and the call of a Green Woodpecker from elsewhere. Upon the coast path I was faced with the dazzle of sunshine reflected off the sea. Today the Guillemot cave was packed such that fifteen on the birds resorted to perching upon the sloping boulder. A few more were perched in even less favourable spots. Meanwhile, below on a waters edge ledge, often favoured by the Shags, more of seabirds relaxed whilst other swam and preened nearby.
Below the mile markers a trio of Meadow Pipits explored the very short grassland. A Fulmar flew eastwards from near the gully mouth. Of course, a male Stonechat was nearby in the Blackthorn. I saw a pair of Whitethroat and was to hear the scratchy call throughout my patrol. A small patch of Bluebells was seaward of the Lighthouse. However, the delight was the site of patches of Thrift in flower as well as Sea Campion. Only Bluebells and Thrift flowered amongst the leaf blades of Wild Gladioli upon Lighthouse Green. Down on my knees I enjoyed seeing the short Early Spider Orchids and was rewarded by sea one two inches tall! Katie was excited having seen a Swift which added to Hamish’s Swallows & House Martins report. Lighthouse Bridge Pear Tree blossomed and showed a few leaves, although it wore much more branching lichen. Ascending the downland slope I passed Cowslips and Chalk Milkwort. A Roe Deer buck was upon a grassy Knoll in the Upper Gully where Wayfaring Trees had flower out. Passing over Saxon was a Buzzard whist Early Purple Orchids bloomed below.