Having decided to head to the far (western) end of the National Nature Reserve this morning, my progress was immediately curtailed by a Long-tailed Tit which was dangling and hanging from the branches of the Apple tree, whose blossom was looking superb. As I enjoyed watching this bird with streaky colourings of pale pink, off white and grey, a flock of Goldfinches landed in amongst the flowers as well.
Around me the sounds of Common Whitethroats, a great view of one as it perched on the highest twig of the Blackthorn, with popping up nearby as Lesser Whitethroat, the slightly greyer bird, singing a slightly different tune.
Along the banks of the path the deep blue of Chalk Milkwort growing alongside the bright yellow of Horseshoe Vetch.
Scattered around me, the Early Spider Orchid (the pale green stems and brown flowers catching the light), growing alongside the stubby deep purple of the Green-veined Orchids.
Around a corner and a mass of Early Purple Orchids and Cowslips, a riot of pink and yellow amongst the grass.
Wandering across the short turf, a Greater Bloody-nosed Beetle reminding me of clockwork toy in its movement!
Twirling around each other a couple of Wall Brown butterflies, their beautifully marked wings reflecting he light. Back along the drove and 3 Speckled Woods were also in flight, before resting on the ground showing the pale cream spots.
Rising from the foundation of the Napoleonic Signal Station was a Skylark, providing as superb opportunity to admire the markings and flight ability as well as its amazing song, as it fluttered just yards above me.
A Chiffchaff, Firecrest, flock of Linnets and a Meadow Pipit added to my list as did the Kestrel that was hovering above the gully, enabling me to look down on it.
A Peregrine Falcon soared over, heading for the cliffs and a Swallow was just arriving from the sea.