We are looking for the Pied flycatcher, a striking summer visitor, which loves these places. But today there is no sign of the distinctive black and white plumage and flittering, flycatching forays. Instead we hear and see a Jay, that brightest and most elusive member of the crow family. Despite feathers of dusty pink-buff with bright turquoise wing flashes, a chequerboard cap and white rump, the shy and secretive bird is difficult to spot and seeing one is always a treat; sometimes they are mistaken for parrots because their feathers are so bright!
Finally, we step out of the speckled shade and onto the springy heather tops. From here there are tracks and trails in every direction. We join the Macmillan Way West and make a huge arc across the high ground. The wind is keen and cold and fingers its way through zips and down collars until we are steaming gently. Skylarks toss themselves into the breeze, parachuting back down and drenching us with song. Before we turn our boots off the crest and head down through the woods, there is one further treat: a small group of Wheatear surround us on the path, hopping from heather to gorse, hunting hungrily for insects. These are true visitors of summer. They may just have arrived on this high land within sight of Bridgwater Bay. They may stay for the summer; and breed on these gentle heather hills; or they may be passing through heading further West or North. Welcome back - it's good to see you again!
