January 2014

The start of the New Year, and we are keen to experience the first signs of spring, even though still a long way off. Sightings have been sparse and the mild weather has meant that we have not seen some of the rare winter migratory birds that we occasionally experience on the coast during cold snaps.

One fleeting glimpse was of a Stoat making a dash for the hedge just behind Hambury Farm, with its distinctive bounding movements with an arched back.

This secretive creature could easily be confused with a Weasel, but is slightly larger with a longer tail which has a prominent black tip. Their bodies are well adapted to predate Rabbits and Rats so farm environments attract these creatures.

In between the gales on the more pleasant days, we have seen flocks of Long-tailed Tits and Goldfinches around the Cove and Visitor Centre. Also at the Cove, a Kittiwake was spotted; these medium-sized Gulls are Amber Status which means they are declining in some areas. They are similar to Common Gulls but in flight the black wing-tips show no white, and look as if they have been 'dipped in ink'. The best way to tell it apart from other Gulls is to hear it cry ‘kitti-wayke’ as it soars amongst the cliffs.

We have Snowdrops this month, the flowering of this species varies from year to year depending on the weather and temperature. They are a welcome sight when the countryside is lacking other flora and are a harbinger of spring.