Fog once again welcoming in the day, but down by the cliffs it had little effect on the wildlife watching.
Two young Kestrels were practising flying, looking a little wobbly especially when changing direction! Further down the rock face three patches of grey fluff moved a bit, and became Great Black-backed Gull chicks, a few dark spots adding to their camouflage.
However my eyes were drawn to the sea due to the load high pitched calling that could be heard, after some searching a group of 5 adult Guillemots could be seen escorting a much smaller chick. These fluffy black and white youngsters are not supposed to be heading out to sea in the early morning, rather they should be travelling under cover of darkness – lets hope this fledgling will head straight out to sea and survive the gauntlet of gulls during its trip, to return to the cliffs in a couple of years.
Also on the water were 5 Razorbills while a huge white Gannet skimmed past, the angled wings easy to spot as it went by.
On the last of the season boat trip last night (with citycruisespoole), we had fantastic views of 7 Puffins as the bobbed on the water just off of the boat, allowing everyone on board to admire the brightly coloured striped beak, white face and teardrop shaped eye markings. Through the water the bright orange feet could also be seen and on another couple flying around.
From inland the call of a Stonechat, a male perched on a piece of Gorse while a couple of others were using our fence posts as lookout points.
Alongside one a ginger Roe Deer, appeared, slowly wandering and delicately selecting, after testing a few, a favourite leaf to munch on – this turned out to be Sea Aster. As it moved away, it stopped to scratch its ear using its black hoof.
Out in the meadows, the flowers are looking amazing, with Wild Carrot, Pyramidal Orchids, Common Spotted Orchids, Ox-Eye Daises and patches of Meadow Vetchling.