More Spearmint, a Stoke Point Walk and a Trip to Wembury

With another Sunday off on 30th January we took another morning walk around Plymouth Hoe before the crowds arrived. The tide was low but I did find 5 Turnstone on the rocks at Tinside and Spearmint the Grey Seal was hauled out on the slipway again. 

Spearmint the Grey Seal

I was able to see her red flipper tag this time as she lay sleeping on her side on the cobbles and it was interesting to note the variety of fur colouring and patterning on her underside. She appeared to be shivering as she slept but looked healthy and alert when she occasionally woke up to have a scratch and to take a look at the world going on around her.

Spearmint Tail Tag and Claws

Spearmint

Monday 31st January and we attempted a walk at Stoke Point again, this time we were successful and the walk and scenery were as grand as ever. There was a strong and cold North-westerly wind which kept the temperature low despite the occasional sunny spells and it also kept the birds under cover but on the return walk the wind had eased somewhat and a few birds were noted.

A pair of Bullfinch were seen in Noss Mayo village while along the coast path a Buzzard, a female Kestrel and a pair of Peregrine were seen along with a flock of around 40 Linnet and a flock of around 20 Skylark plus a pair of Stonechat.

The best sighting was a Brown Hare which ran across the fields, the first time I have seen one here before.

Brown Hare, Stoke Point

Tuesday 1st February and I had a quick walk out at Wembury before yet another duo of delightful night shifts. It was grey and dull and cold but quite still and despite the low tide I found an adult winter and a 1st winter Mediterranean Gull and an adult Lesser Black-backed Gull out on the rocks along with 8 Mallard (5 male), 2 Little Egret, a Curlew and Oystercatchers. Offshore Gannets, Fulmars, Shag and Cormorants were seen with a Buzzard, 2 Raven and a male Kestrel noted overhead.

Just a pair of Cirl Buntings and a male Stonechat were seen along the footpath along with a male Bullfinch and 3 Long-tailed Tit and the only other bird of note was a Great Spotted Woodpecker which gave its location away in a nearby tree as it chipped away while I waited at the bus stop for the bus back to Plymouth.