Swirling wind, biting skin
A veil of clouds spread high and thin.
Wind whipped sea with white crest caps
Shags cross low, passing in laps
Lazily, Herring Gulls glide on by
Fulmars circle, carve, and slice the sky
A Peregrine passes, wings strong and fast
Taking up watch on distant mast
Water below crowded black and white
Razorbills, Guillemots, duck and dive
Along the gully Great Tits chatter
Wood Pigeons coo, and Jack Daws natter
Through field and scrub all falls quiet
Not a stirring of bird, nor beast make riot
Howling wind, whining through branches
Naked, exposed as gust advances
Meadows bring calls of Chaffinch and Robin
I spy Ash buds swaying and bobbing
Confused Hawthorn looks ready to burst
Well in advance for springtime’s first