Another day of sunshine ahead. The ground has cracked where the clay soils have dried and contracted. Little piles of dirt have began to appear where the solitary Mining Bees burrow.
Beautiful yellow blossom adorns the patches of Gorse, with each spiny stem now covered in an abundance of yellow vetch-like flowers. White Blackthorn blooms add to the patchwork of Spring colours across the downs.
Stepping down through the scrub, Skylark and Meadow Pipit burst into the air. The familiar ‘chak-chak’ from Stonechat can be heard, alongside a medley of song tunes between the singing Robins, continuous piping Chiffchaff, and gentle tinkling of Goldfinch as they pass overhead.
High amongst the blue, a Kestrel hangs in the sky. It’s head motionless, steadied by its wings, as it scans the ground for movement.
You must watch your step upon the short turf, where a carpet of Early Spider Orchids have now appeared. It can be a little difficult to spot your first, with the green stem, and brown labellum (said to mimic that of a spider) camouflaged against the grass. But they soon appear everywhere after spotting your first one.
Towards the sea, curious calls of Guillemot begin to be heard. These birds now packed into their breeding ledges, each bonding with their partner, and arguing with rivals over territory - no bigger than 1 square foot of bare rock huddled between its neighbours.
More of these birds raft upon the water, interspersed with the blacker Razorbill plumage. Pitter patter of wings hitting the water when the auks take flight. A photographer captures them from his tripod above.
It’s always enjoyable to watch the looping flight of Fulmar, and today a good number of Shags on the wing: Gliding with ease upon the thermals, with lofty wings outstretched.