The early morning appeared without the sun of late, but a gentle northerly wind wafted across the park, the place silent except for the calling of birds.
No lapping of the sea against the cliffs, but on the water a mass of Guillemots, at least 50 bobbing about while another 200 or so occupied the two ledges above. The smell of their guano quite strong as I walked along the cliff top!
The deep sound of growling floated up as these auks chatted to each other. Making more tapping noises and cooing came from a pair of the Razorbills, while another 3 birds floated about nearby.
As I stood by the wall 3 Fulmars were circling and passing really close by, these are such fantastic birds to watch, however my attention was caught by a Peregrine Falcon which was speeding in from the south, dipping and swerving as it arrived at the cliffs before disappearing around the corner.
In amongst the blossom of the Blackthorn a variety of small birds were spotted with Great Tits, Blue Tits, Dunnock and 5 Goldfinches all on the same clump, all within a single binocular view.
From above the meadows came the glorious song of a Skylark, wafting down as it fluttered high above. If you walk around the meadows you will see signs and temporary fencing, please keep yourselves and your dogs to the marked paths as this gives the Skylark the best chance of breeding without disturbance.
Ox-eye Daisy, Johnston and Centenary Meadows are awash with Cowslips which have produced a fantastic yellow carpet across them. Some of the other fields are showing off their early Orchids as the first few Early Purple Orchids have now emerged .
On the downs the Early Spider Orchids are showing well while the pale yellow tufts of Spring Sedge are scattered as is Whitlow Grass and the Early Scurvy Grass.
Despite perching on the top of the bright yellow flowering Gorse, the bright yellow head of a Yellowhammer was still easy to spot, and even easier once he started to sing his song.
The fruit trees are now in blossom with Wild Apple and Pear occupied by a stunning male and female Bullfinch.