A Roe Deer was slowly wandering through the dead remains of the long grasses in the corner of the meadow, the dull brown coat barely noticeable in the early morning grey gloom.
The birds are definitely thinking of spring, the sounds of their singing and calling to be heard all across the National Nature Reserve. The Blackbirds perhaps the noisiest, a seemingly constant trill and warble. Robins also in full voice, while the Song Thrush was much more stop start.
Flitting between the Pear and Apple trees was a male Chaffinch, perhaps attracted by the two female Chaffinches that were calling from the branches.
Above the Gully a motionless bird was spotted, a Kestrel, a quite superb sight, and watching it a delight. An occasional quiver of the tail or wings while the head remained still, not much wing to battle against today so hopefully for it, breakfast was captured as it dropped quickly to the rough grass below.
As I walked out to the far end of the Country Park to check on the cattle, who were grazing in Field 2, I was accompanied by a few bursts of the lilting song of a Skylark.
Back across the coastal downland slopes and a Meadow Pipit took to the sky, a quick squeaking call and it was off to the coast path.
A report from yesterday of a female Black Redstart down at Tilly Whim, not seen myself today, but keep an eye open for this small red tailed bird (about the size of a Dunnock).
My first Primrose on the verge down to the Castle, while the delicate lilac coloured Spring Crocuses can be spotted near the Aviary Glade in the woods.