Race Wednesday in the Isle of Man, the Island is jumping with motorcyclists, and as it was a good day, we decided to head south, away from all the motorcycle action and  head for a bit of peace and quiet.

Picnic made, gear bundled in the car, dogs left at home, Mrs A-B and myself headed to Cregneash.

From the car park at the top of Cregneash it is just a gentle walk down the broughs to the Chasms, through the little gate, across the rock fissures and down to the cliff top. Front Row dress circle!

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It took about 10 minutes before the birds started to ignore us and resume their natural behavior. Even Mrs A-B reverted to natural behavior and carried on with her sewing! Careful not to upset any Herring Gulls with chicks, as this would result in constant aggression from the birds, I had a quick look around to see what was happening.

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The Sugarloaf was covered in nesting Kittiwakes, Fulmars and Guillemots, all struggling to hold onto their nest sites, not letting anybody push then off.

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”29″ gal_title=”Guillemots, Kittiehawks and Fulmars on the Sugarloaf”]

It didn’t take long before the Choughs and Fulmars started to display right in front of us. The Choughs with their “bounding”  flight closing their wings as if riding a roller coaster. The Fulmars showing an amazing flight skill, performing stall turns at the cliff face to land back on their nests within the cracks of the rock face.

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Keeping these broughs in condition, not letting the grass grow to long to allow all the wild flowers to grow were a flock of Manx Loaghtan sheep. I think they think they are mountain goats the was they climb the rock face!

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”31″ gal_title=”Loaghtan Sheep at the Chasms”]

After a couple of hours, it had been noticed that the resident pair of Ravens were not about, but not to fear, we heard the rough call, and right above us were the Ravens. They spent about 10 minutes on the rock face, flying thermals, and calling before they were off about their normal business.

In the 3 hours we were there, about 12 people turned up, had a look around and were gone again. Obviously, not everybody appreciates the wonders of the natural world, – or rag doll making!