It’s that time of year where birds busy themselves gathering nesting material. Robins and Sparrows investigate sites under the eaves, whilst Blue Tits look to return to the nestbox. Each taking cover amongst the Blackthorn blossom, whilst a Sparrowhawk passes overhead.
Slipping down through the Lighthouse Field, I find myself meandering around the cow pats, carefully stepping around countless Garden Snails, and then stopping altogether as I discover a patch of Early Spider Orchids. Probably between 50-100 in number, most of them just an inch or two high, with the tallest few a mighty three or four inches and twitching in the wind.
A high-pitched screeching is heard, and I look up to see a Kestrel taking flight from the outbuilding at the Lighthouse. Sure enough, it’s mate perches on the green window ledge with its brilliant vantage point over the Gully.
Walking through here at the start of the week, I carried out our first butterfly survey of the season, counting 5 Speckled Woods, and 1 Red Admiral across our West transect. On the far side of the park I was pleased to spot Green-veined Orchids in flower, and Grey Wagtails collecting insects around the dewpond.
Decent swells roll in to the land, fizzling into vapour as they burst upwards at the cliffs. With the Sun trying to break through the cloud, it creates this beautiful sea haze which fades the cliffs in the distance. Fulmar and Herring Gull cut through it, with Shags also on the wing low against the water, and Jackdaw clattering along clifftop. Few Guillemot and Razorbill to be seen. Their ledge empty, and just a few birds rafting together, floating over each of the incoming waves.
Winds relent as I round the head, and I can listen to a Dunnock singing proudly atop the budding Sycamore. A pair of Chaffinch swoop across the path; the male’s chestnut-coloured breast, in pursuit of the duller female. Plenty more birds chime out of sight; Robin, Wren, Goldfinch, and Great Tit. A sunny meadow of Primrose shines from Caravan Terrace.