Well it’s a bit windy out isn’t it!! With gusts recorded at 51mph last night and the strong South West wind to continue across the weekend there was no other option but to head for the cliffs to ‘blow the cobwebs away’.
First today I walked all the woodlands to check for any tree damage or wind-blown trees, luckily only a few branches down at the moment. The ground however was covered with Sycamore, Horse Chestnut and Beech leaves. The North end of the woodland was relatively sheltered, and a Blackbird was happily rummaging around in the undergrowth.
Herb Robert, Cleavers, Doc and Ferns all line the edges of footpaths. The power of the wind is quite incredible when you look up, (it does make you feel slightly dizzy, so be careful) the tree canopy today was wailing around and even 30cm diameter trees were being pushed around with force. I was surprised at how many small birds I saw and heard this morning, I guess they are not going to want to go far today! In the woods below the castle, Chiffchaff, Chaffinch and Blue tits were all heard.
As I walked down towards the Lighthouse a Roe Deer had spotted me and was bounding across the footpath, a Dunnock called from within the Gorse and a Rock Pipit moved slowly around the short grass.
A group of Herring Gulls were the first species I saw as I approached the cliffs, flying westwards, using their wings but not looking like they were making much progress. Huge waves rolled into the cliffs crashing against the Limestone sending waves right over the top of the 30 metre cliffs. Guillemots on the water were being covered by rolling waves crashing over the top of them and huge clumps of dislodged seaweed floated on the surface.
A bit further out adult Gannets were doing what looked like some intense training for the juveniles, not only battling the weather but diving as well. I came to a slightly sheltered patch and admired the force of the sea for a minute, when a Wood Pigeon appeared then disappeared up from the cliffs, swiftly followed by a Jackdaw and then a Guillemot… yes a Guillemot at the top of the cliffs eye level with me. A most bizarre sight!
From the observation point I watched the Great Black-backed Gull chicks walking around by their mum, slightly scared they were going to get blown off the edge, but she quickly retrieved them and tucked them under her body.
Also seen today, Whitethroat, Long-tailed tits, Dunnock and Wren.