Prawle
Point, Sunday
10th April 2005, by Val Palmer
We met at East Prawle, 16 of us. It was a
bright sunny morning, but with a cool breeze - and several layers of clothing
were called for. House Martin and Swallow were seen as we walked out of the
village heading for the valley leading down to Pig’s Nose. The more energetic
walked down into the valley, the rest of us followed the path along the top.
Our first Cirl Bunting of the day was spotted here, albeit a distant view.
Yellowhammers and Linnets were much in evidence. A Wheatear (or was it two)
put in an appearance. Following the path round to Prawle Point I was struck by
the beauty of the coastline. With the sun shining, the colours of the sea,
rocks and cliffs, together with the green of the grass and other vegetation -
and the wild flowers beside the path and on the cliff-face - made for an
idyllic scene.
We ate our
picnic lunch on flat ground below Prawle Point. A solitary Little Egret and
some Oystercatchers were pottering about on the rocks. Three Gannets flew
past, quite close by (by Gannet standards!) Continuing along the coast path,
which is at a low level here, we had close views of Cirl Buntings. I gathered
from the more knowledgeable among us, that it was fairly quiet bird-wise. But
isn’t quality sometimes better than quantity.
Then
followed a rather steep haul back up to the village, and a welcome cuppa or ice
cream in the café. So, not an abundance of birds seen, the official count was
44, but a very enjoyable day nonetheless.
Birds seen, in BOU order or alphabetic order
BOU order