The grey damp morning began with a bit of a litterpick – removing the leftovers of last night’s snack that some human being had left behind, scattered across the car park.
Perched in the Elder above me was a Robin, this bird occasionally dropping down to see if I had disturbed a tasty Earthworm.
Heading down to the woods it is lovely to see the green leaves beginning to burst out of their buds, the variety of species quite impressive.
The large sticky buds of Horse Chestnut now opening to reveal the three bright green leaves, while the much more delicate Dogwood and Snow Berry leaves are also coming out.
From the high canopy top the high pitched calling of Goldcrests could be heard, after a bit of searching these tiny birds were eventually tracked down as they flitted amongst the branches, while searching a Chiffchaff was also noted.
On the large glade a Green Woodpecker stood, the yellow and green colour contrasting with the red on the face, as it took off it gave its usual ‘startled’ yaffle.
More indications of migration today with the numbers of Meadow Pipits building up as the fly over at a rate of about 500 per hour.
Also passing over were 20 Pied Wagtails and 1 Grey Wagtail, the long tails of these birds making the fact they are wagtails easy to identity, the call required for more specific id.
Other migrants in flight included 2 Siskins, 1 Redpoll and 10 Linnets.
On the downs and Lighthouse Green was the largest ‘fall’ of Wheatears so far this year with 6 counted, the sandy coloured bodies contrasting with the black mask and white rumps making them one of the smartest of birds.
Down by Tilly Whim a Black Redstart hopped from one lump of Portland Limestone to another.
On the Gorse, amongst the bright yellow flowers were a flock of Goldfinches, some of the many now starting to move from their winter sites to their breeding sites.
At sea lots of Gannets gliding past, the glorious long white wings flashing across the water, while further out were a dozen Scoter.