Sparrows flutter around the hedges which have now sprouted fresh Elder leaves amongst the otherwise bare branches. A male hops to the very top branches with nesting material clutched in its beak. In a quick flash of feathers, the small group departs, and heads back in underneath the eaves of the Learning Centre.
From the Hide, a variety of different creatures graze the bounty of nuts and seeds at the bird feeders. A large Squirrel hangs up-side down somewhat acrobatically whilst prying peanuts from between the mesh with its teeth. A pair of Pheasants, one male, one female, walk regally on the ground below as they peck and scape amongst the grasses. A lone Great Tit overlooks from the side, as it patiently awaits its turn.
Rising up into the blue, a Skylark sings above the meadows and the twittering of a Chiffchaff. It’s tuneful song indicating one of the first signs of spring. As I’m walking across Saxon field, three of these birds quickly dart out from the grasses, perfectly camouflaged until their underwing feathers flash bright white as they reflect the sunlight.
Further afield, I managed to spot my first few Cowslips of the year, scattered amongst the luscious green grasses, the occasional Daisy, Buttercup, and Dandelion. The distinctive mellow leisurely tunes of a Blackbird can be heard from the scrub.
As I scramble down the slopes, humps, and follows of the Lighthouse Field, I pondered my chances of sighting an Adder at Tilly Whim, given the glorious sunshine. Unfortunately I was unable to spot any there, though I didn’t have my binoculars with me, and given the sighting of two here yesterday, they could well be hidden amongst the groundcover.
Walking the clifftop trail, I spotted the usual birds along the coast; Fulmar, Shag, Herring Gull, Jackdaw, and Greater Black-backed Gull. Bumping into Hamish, he reported spotting two Siskin flying overhead, and a Firecrest by the Castle.