After the last few days of warm sunshine a few more flowers are showing, including small patches of deep purple from the Hairy Violets as they peek above the grass on the downland.
A smattering of small white flowers of the Whitlow Grass can be seen dotted around the hummocks and lumps of the old quarry workings, as I was on my hands and knees looking at these little blooms, I spotted the leaves of some of our orchids – no flowers yet, the rosettes showing in places.
Taking flight a couple of Meadow Pipits, their calls bringing them to my attention, as they landed on the patch of Bramble, the speckling on their bodies could be spotted.
Overhead the piercing calling of a Peregrine Falcon caught my attention, looking up the shape was quite distinctive, with swept back, pointed wings, another of these magnificent birds of prey then also flew into view.
Along the hedgerows and banks scatterings of Primroses to be enjoyed, delicate pale yellow rounded petals, quite different to the shiny bright yellow points of the Lesser Celandine. A few pale lilac Spring Crocus also blooming.
Lots of different leaves are emerging, including the tall thin triangular leaves of Three-cornered Leek, and the wider ones of Ramsons, plus those of Lords and Ladies.
From the tops of the row of Sycamores came the loud squawking of Rooks, a few messy nests to be seen amongst the twigs, this the second year of this small group nesting here.
From the Japanese Spindle, which has pale pink berries dotted across it, came the quick-quick-slow song of a Chaffinch, the pinkish chest contrasting with the greyish head as it sung.
Croaking overhead were three noisy Ravens, what looked like a chase taking place until one stopped amongst the Black Pines of the copse.
Popping in and out of the bird box was a Blue Tit, while a Great Tit was investigating a black London Bollard.