Blustery this morning, so a pull towards the coast which is always wonderful in a breeze. The waves were rolling in and crashing against the limestone cliffs, producing a spray of white froth.
Standing on a small ledge halfway up the cliffs was a creche of Shags, 6 youngsters perched, preening themselves while a single adult longed on.
Just above them was a juvenile Great Black-backed Gull, this speckled brown bird now about as large of its parents.
A gorgeous display of wildflowers to be enjoyed on the grassland. The Wild Carrot providing a show of creamy, pinky white mixing amongst the purples of the Greater Knapweed and the smaller Black Knapweed.
Lots of yellow showing as well from the tall thin spikes of Agrimony – much of which is now going to seed, to the bright rugs of Bird’s-foot Trefoil and the tall bright flowers of Ragwort and the paler Bristley Ox-tongue.
Along many path edges the dull pink of Red Bartsia is prominent, whilst the variety of grasses includes Crested Dog’s Tail, Timothy, Tall Fescue, Red Fescue, Cock’s-foot, Quaking Grass and Meadow Barley plus a variety of others!
Look out for the butterflies including the Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper, Wall Brown, Ringlet and Marbled White. With a more occasional Dark-green Fritillary, Red Admiral and Painted Lady.
Twittering from the hedgerow was a flock of Linnets, moving from Blackthorn bush to Bramble, while flitting in amongst the leaves of the Black Bryony was a Common Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler.
A great view of a Yellowhammer perched on the top of the Hawthorn tree, the bright yellow showing brightly against the blue sky.