As the fog began to lift and the sun started to break through, the meadows were a picture. Awash with various yellows from the Cowslips (which have been spectacular) to the waxy Bulbous Buttercups which are just starting to open up and the serrated edge leaves of Hay Rattle.
In amongst these, the brown heads of Ribwort Plantain, many with white petals just hanging on. After the 17.7mm of rain yesterday the ground is covered in puddles and the grass dripping in water, and my feet are soaked through!
A Common Whitethroat was scratchily singing from the top of a Hawthorn – the delicate covering of May blossom just starting to engulf it.
Perched in the bow of an Elder, a Blackcap, this male showing off its black cap as it called.
Above two Skylarks were singing loudly, such a wonderful sound drifting down, on the ground another two Skylarks were standing amongst the wet grass.
As I watched, I was distracted by an Early Spider Orchid poking its head above the sward, then another 109 came into view – it’s a good year for these rare plants. Just over the wall a patch of majestic bright pink Early Purple Orchids, while a group of paired Twayblade leaves also identified.
Swooping above the downs a Swallow (I am still waiting to see my first Swift of the year but some were reported on Sunday).
A flash of yellow as a Yellowhammer appeared and then disappeared in the gully, and Linnets showed off the pink chests.
A couple of Rabbits scampered along the edge of the Gorse, on which I had been watching a Stonechat.
Twelve of our Hereford Cows have just returned to the Park, now with their newly born calves – therefore please ensure you close the gates, keep to the paths and take note of the signs.