Within the Goat Willow were both Great and Blue Tits, whilst a Robin was around the picnic tables. A calm sea was rippled by the wind. Jackdaws and Wood Pigeon in flight we join by a Swallow over the downland.
Whilst a Herring Gull perched upon the edge of Tilly Whim ledge, a Peregrine Falcon flew west over the sea. Upon the see a linear raft of some one hundred plus Guillemot extended outwards from the cliff. Walking back, two Fulmars were spotted off the caves. At the gully mouth, as a Shag flew west a / the Peregrine Falcon returned. Two more Guillemots drifted upon the sea off the mouth. A pale fade Garden Snail was hunkered down in well-fitting hole in Limestone.
Entering the sheltered steep sided mouth ravine, a walked over a carpet of Red Fescue. I found most of a Guillemot eggshell, with striped markings, presumably a Raven relic.
Leaf Hopper Larvae Cuckoo Spit was found upon a variety of leaves including Blackthorn, Bristly Ox Tongue, Woodsage and Yellow Rattle. Several of the latter were showing clear flowers upon the gully slopes. Near the rock face an unseen Stonechat was repeatedly chatting. I admired the simple flowers of Ribwort Plantain protruding from the rock face. Just before Small Copse one Early Purple Orchid stem was about 18 inches (45 centimetres) tall, with one third of this being flowers. A Blue Tit appeared to being disposing of a faecal sack, before a Speckled Wood and Hoverfly came into view. I took in the carpet of “new to me” Adders Tongue Fern within South Field. A Chaffinch was heard whilst many snails noted upon Winter Heliotrope leaves.
It was another where I failed to find Early English Gentians, despite the sunshine. Back at the office intruded species Mexican Daisy and Ivy-leaved Toadflax flower out of walls.
It seemed odd not yet hearing a Green Woodpecker waffle.