As I started off towards the woods a Roe Deer was standing watching my movement, it chestnut back providing a bright splash of colour to the grey gloom.
The woods a mass of greens with the leaves and Elm, Hazel, Snowberry, Horse Chestnut and Ash filling the sky and in many places dangling down, laden with large wert drops of rain.
Along the edge Enchanter’s Nightshade showing the delicate white flowers, alongside the dark purple of Bittersweet (also known as Woody Nightshade).
Meanwhile a close look at the petals of Red Dead Nettle showed the intricate patterns, making me look more closely at the similarish Hedge Woundwort and Betony.
As I watched a huge heavily built Raven soar and tumble around the cliff, something edible dangling from its beak, the strange screeching call of a bird of prey caught my attention as two Kestrels were perched on the metal bars of the nautical mile markers.
From below the cliffs came a high pitched call, first thought – an Oystercatcher, then thought again after a bit of searching spotted the small black and white Guillemot chick. After further calling, an adult replied with a growling gargle and they reunited. Young chicks are not usually seen in the morning, they are supposed to travel out to sea overnight to avoid the predators – such as Great Black-backed Gulls and Herring Gulls which hang around the cliffs. Fingers crossed for this youngster.
The ledges are even emptier that yesterday – just three adults Guillemot and their 3 chick on the top ledge, not boding well with a patrolling Herring Gull on the ledge as well! Come into the Visitor Centre at the Castle to see them on the live screen.
A soaring Fulmar and a Shag taking advantage of the wind while a Razorbill bobbed on the water below.
On the downland edge the short grass and flowers of Wild Thyme, Squinanacywort, Centenary and Bird’s-foot Trefoil, provide a bright area of pink, white and yellow colour.
As I return I am again watched by a female Roe Deer, this time silhouetted above a wall.