It has been strangely quiet on the cliffs here at the Mull of Galloway, relatively speaking that is. The kittiwakes have been kicking up a bit of a fuss but their rivals for noisiest cliff edge dwellers have been staying away since their first arrival a few weeks back. I was trying not to fret for my new ‘family’ but I admit to being relieved to see large numbers of the guillemots and razorbills now occupying the cliffs once more. The ledges are again alive with the tell-tale gargling sounds from the guillemots. And not to put too fine a point on it, but it is beginning to pong as the rocks start to look more ‘white-washed’! It seems that the seabirds have been waiting for the weather conditions to settle down before they themselves settle down. The breeding season is starting a few weeks later than last year.
Over the last week we have started to see interesting little migrants, some will stay and some are pausing before they continue on to their breeding sites further inland. Today, Val and Tony, our current fabulous residential volunteers, have been keeping an eye out for interesting visitors. A splendid male black redstart was the first to be seen, followed by a sedge warbler and various willow warblers. I was intrigued to hear from some of our visitors about ‘small black and white birds’ – could this be the return of the pied flycatchers, perhaps on their way to the Wood of Cree? Possibly not, but I can dream.
Spring squill, copyright Tony Vile
It is great to be able to report that Mother Nature has added some additional colour to the palette and the first blooms of spring squill will grow into larger drifts of blue-violet. A real visual treat, can’t wait. We also have scurvy grass and sea campion in flower and the sharp-eyed amongst you may have noticed wood sorrel popping up here and there.
Scurvy grass, copyright Tony Vile
A quick plug for tomorrow’s guided walk – 1pm start from the visitor centre. Come and have a look to see what else is sprouting forth or passing through!