The thick fog continues, reducing visibility to a hundred or so metres on the top of the hill, more out across the sea.
Down to the woods this morning to survey some more trees some of which are surprisingly difficult to identify without any leaves on!
Further reports of 2 Wheatears on the wall on the downs, Black Redstart at Tilly Whim, Firecrest in the woods by the Castle and 100's of Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails just arriving overhead.
From the top of one of the larger Sycamores came the drumming sound of a Great Spotted Woodpecker. A long search through the fog shrouded trunks until I eventually found this male drumming his bill against the tree, the splash of red showing up as I peered up from below.
Flitting amongst the branches of one of the London Planes was a Chiffchaff, perhaps the flaky bark providing a habitat to search out a good supply of invertebrates for breakfast.
The flowering ground flora is limited but a patch of Spring Crocus and a scattering of Primroses showing well, while Hart’s Tongue Fern and Ivy are in abundance.
My survey of the area also included a number of the Victorian ‘exotics’ which are now common place in people gardens, such as Rhododendron, which despite being present for over 100 years has been kept in check by the limestone soil conditions, also Spotted Laurel – but the variety with unspotted leaves currently showing off its small greeny-white flowers. The bright red berries are to be found on the Portugal Laurel, while the Japanese Spindle is sporting shiny green leaves.
Perched on the top of one of the now budding Hazels was a Chaffinch running through its song repertoire, while Great Tits and Blue Tits were also very vocal.
A Blackbird sung loudly from the truncated crown of a Common Lime while a Wren disappeared amongst the creeping lines of Ivy.
Overhead the calling of a Raven caused me to look skyward, where I could just make out the distinctive black shape.
The strong pong of a Fox wafted as I disturbed some Pendulous Sedge, while last night a Badger was heard trundling through the undergrowth.