Cowden

I went down to Cowden for a walk round the old firing range there, hoping to see a few migrants on the cliffs.

Plenty of butterflies were enjoying the sunshine with Peacock (2), Small Tortoiseshell (3), Speckled Wood (12), Common Blue (1), Large White/Small White/Green-veined White (over 30) all seen.

Common Blue

Think this is a Small White

Through the bushes and small trees flitted several passerines, a lot of which went un-id'd but those I did get were Reed Bunting (4), Robin (4), Blue Tit (2), Great Tit (3), Willow Warbler (1), Whitethroat (5), House Sparrow (2), Goldfinch (c.15) and Dunnock (4).

3 Stock Doves were a nice change from seeing the ubiquitous Wood Pigeon.

While sea-watching for a while 2 Wheatear came in-off and landed on the tarmac path, as there are few other landing places for these birds.

Wheatear

Wheatear

There wasn't much activity off shore apart from the usual mooching gulls, but a pair of Shags going south was a bit of a highlight.

A pleasant walk then, but nothing startlingly wonderful to report. Maybe tomorrow?