Rhossili to Fall Bay

I spent much of last weekend battling technology, if the shambles that is Windows 8 can be even classed as such, so a Saturday afternoon stroll at Rhossili seemed like just the ticket. With the weather being almost perfect there really was very little competition for my time, though I can’t deny a significant pull to go and join the masses being entertained by a Little Bunting at Forest Farm reserve. In the end though Gower’s stunning coastline won out and on reflection a relaxing walk was probably far better for my stress levels than trying to squeeze into a hide, no matter the rewards displaying just outside.

The majestic sweep of Rhossili Bay is by now a familiar sight but it still proves almost impossible to pass without taking a photo. Today though there was the added bonus of an incredibly low tide which not only displayed the shipwrecks of the Vennerne and City of Bristol but also more sand than on any other occasion that I can remember. In fact it was so low that had we descended to the beach it would have been possible to walk all the way out to Worm’s Head with no need of ever climbing above sea level. The different views afforded by such an unusual vantage point definitely marks it out as something to try when such conditions next occur.

Ambling around to Fall Bay I was disappointed to find that yet more Gorse has been burned, another area of habitat where I have seen Stonechats and Dartford Warblers reduced to ashes. Unsurprisingly both were absent but a Song Thrush and large flock of Linnets welcomed our arrival at Tears Point along with another stunning view across to Mewslade and Thurba Head.

Finding a sheltered spot we settled down to while away the afternoon and were soon joined by a Shag actively fishing fifty meters or so offshore. Each time it surfaced the distinctive crest which marks these surprisingly attractive birds out from their commoner Cormorant cousins was clearly visible, right up until a surfacing Grey Seal caused it to scarper.

There wasn’t just interest out at sea however with the very rocks upon which we were sat packed full of fossils. A productive band of limestone pops up at various intervals around Gower but none are quite as impressive as the section found at Tears Point. From tiny shells to large corals there is plenty to see and I spent a good whole rooting around for anything a little more unusual.

As the famous saying goes though, tide and time waits for no man and with the sun starting to head towards the horizon it was time to take our leave. Other commitments meant that the evenings sunset had to be enjoyed from home where another couple of hours battling with the PC awaited. Sometimes I wonder if as humans we’ve really got our priorities right.