Starting off across the National Nature Reserve, the fields are still extremely wet and muddy, my foot disappearing into the mud on a number of occasions!
Singing around me were Great Tits, providing a variety of tunes to listen to, interrupted by the churring of Blue Tits and the trill of the Dunnock. All these birds perched on the tips of the Ash, Sycamore and Elder trees.
As I reached the meadows the gorgeous song of the Skylarks was filling the air, as I stood (not for long as didn’t want to sink into the mud), 5 different voices were heard, 3 from high up against the grey covering of clouds.
The other two Skylarks were performing a fluttering flight, up and down one went while the other hung in the air – looking as if it was watching the spectacle as well.
All along the hedgerows the Blackthorn is in bud, some a pinky-brown, other more developed and a pinky white – a few more days and the hedges will be covered in white blossom.
The leaves of many plants sprouting high, with Crow Garlic, Ramsons, Three-cornered Leek, Nettles and Lords and Ladies some of the most prolific and obvious.
A quick check around the cliffs and 5 Fulmars were gliding majestically in and round, providing great views as they passed almost at my head height.
As I returned to base, I was informed that a Hoopoe had been in the car park just a few minutes before. I did not see it !!!! but will keep looking in the hope that this southern European bird will show again – look out for long beak, buff body and black and white markings