Skylarks on display again, a wonder of song and flight.
An excellent way
To enjoy mother’s day
Would be to share this beautiful sight
A gorgeous blue sky today, with the sun’s rays bathing the landscape in light and warmth. The car park was alive with the songs of Blackbirds, Great Tits and Robins. Magpies cackled away, and a Green Woodpecker let out one of the loudest yaffles I’ve ever heard.
Heading out over the meadows, I passed through Large Copse, the sound of Blue Tits overhead and a generous amount of Lords and Ladies covering the ground. Crossing Taskers Meadow I noticed a single brave Dandelion trying it’s best to grow in the centre of the path. The flower’s name is French In origin, meaning lions-tooth or “Dent-de-Lion”.
Chaffinch song abounded as singers were numerous, perched on walls and scrub. Colourful patches of Dog Violets dotted the verges. A pair of Meadow Pipits swooped over my head as I approached Centenary Meadow. I spotted a pair of Wheatears, perching on the branches of an Elder, the first ones I have seen this year. My ears then caught the tones of a Skylark, and sure enough I was treated to yet another magnificent performance by a bird in full display. My family is coming to visit me soon and I intend to bring them along to see this treat for the senses. Mum, if you’re reading this, happy Mother’s Day.
Brian Johnson meadow is now spotted with emerging Cowslips, a relative of the beautiful Primroses that have been in bloom for some time now. Several more Skylarks were sitting in the middle of the field, waiting to rise gloriously into the air.
Down by the lighthouse there were more patches of Dog Violets, and Greater Black Backed Gulls glided beside the cliffs, apparently unperturbed by the strong wind. On the water a pair of Razorbills bobbed serenely, the usual crowds of Auks absent. The top of the Tilly Whim caves seemed deserted at first glance, but upon conferring with a pair of visitors and some careful searching, we managed to spot a pair of very well hidden Adders. They seemed to be hiding from the cold wind, presumably waiting for it to die down so they could resume their sunbathing.