Coming up to the park this morning felt a bit like entering a cloud – low mist and fog made for a very drab start to the day. Colour could however be seen along the tree lines where the emerging leaves of Hawthorn, Horse Chestnut and Field Maple stood out bright green, whilst blooms of Blackthorn lends the hedgerows a fluffy appearance as if they are covered in snow!
A large Roe Deer buck was startled upon setting out from the office, flashing his white bum as he scurried away into the scrub. These patches have evolved to draw the attention of predators during a speedy chase. When the deer makes a sharp turn, the white patch will momentarily disappear from view and the predator will have to refocus on the darker fur – losing precious time during a hunt where every second counts!
Grass-cutting season seems to have come early this year, with the park already sprouting lush green grass across the meadows, thanks to our recent sunshine and April showers. Look closely and you may be delighted to find the flowers of Hairy Violets, Dog Violets, and Early Scurvy Grass. The Cowslips are beginning to bloom along with increasing numbers of Early Purple, Early Spider and Green-winged Orchids.
Walking down towards the lighthouse, the sweet coconutty aroma of Gorse could be smelt, owing to the gentle breeze. Their wonderful sunny flowers lining this route over the hill. Many birds were spotted out on the park – 1 Buzzard, 4 Swallows, 1 House Martin, 1 Linnet, 3 Pied Wagtails, 2 Blackcaps and many more of the usual suspects. The call of a Tawny Owl was also reported by one of our volunteers earlier in the morning.
Whilst Chiffchaffs call out noisily across the gully, a small group of Willow Warblers passed overhead, following their migration from sub-saharan Africa. This migration takes them further south than Chiffchaffs which move from across Europe and hence they have developed slightly longer wings than their almost identical cousins!