Across the National Nature Reserve this morning the ground was slippery in the mud, while the puddles made avoiding getting wet feet quite a challenge.
Walking across the meadows with the rain driving in my face I was still able to make out the early flowers of the Blackthorn scattered along some of the more sheltered hedgerows, providing a white fluffy capping.
From amongst the spikes and thorns of the Blackthorn came the lilting tune of a Dunnock singing, this bird always sounds like it has a bit of a weak song compared with others such as the Blackbird and Wren both of which were also singing alongside it.
The ground is now coming alive with a scattering of yellow flowers which include Dandelions, Primroses and a few Lesser Celandines, although these are all closed up today in the drizzle.
Down to the cliffs to enjoy watching the waves crashing against the cliffs, the grey mass of water smashing against Tilly Whim ledges causing a wash of spray to be deposited on land (and on me)!
Along the cliffs the Guillemots were again not present, off enjoying a few days a sea, just two stragglers to watch struggling to fly westward into the wind.
A Fulmar was gliding majestically in and out, swerving at the last moment as it nearer the rocks, as it rose up I was able to see the dark feathers circling its eyes, such a privilege to be able to admire such wildlife.
I was hoping for my first sighting of a Wheatear for this year, but still I wait for the arrival of these super African migrants. Instead as I swept the downland with my binoculars I spotted a male Stonechat perched on the top of a bright yellow Gorse bush. The white collar and black head most distinctive, the nearby female more difficult to pick out in the dull gloom.
Standing against the backdrop of the woodland was a Roe Deer, the pelage a dull brown making her blend in well. A Rabbit bounded into the scrub as I approached, its white tail flashing as it disappeared.