Spring is definitely on the way with the wonderful sound of birdsong to accompany me as I strolled around Durlston National Nature Reserve.
Perched right at the top of the tallest Sycamore tree was a Goldfinch, emitting a variety of sounds as it practised its spring song. The weak sunshine highlighting the red and gold markings of this slender finch.
In comparison, on a nearby lichen encrusted branch of an old Hawthorn, was a much rounder shaped Chaffinch, the deep pink chest and blue markings also showing well in the light. This male singing forcefully as it went through tis repertoire.
Both of our resident woodpeckers noticed this morning, with the larger Green Woodpecker standing upright on the top of a Meadow Ant Hill before taking flight, swinging up and down against the off-white clouds before alighting once more, this time on the telegraph pole at t he edge of the gully.
Down in the woods the drumming sound of a Greater Spotted Woodpecker echoed, which tree it was banging its head against was undiscovered.
Out on the meadows a small patch of yellow captured my attention, the delightful clump of Cowslips showing above the grass, their trumpets a combination of colours including a slightly greenish tinge, a lemon and a deep sun yellow!
Other flowers are now putting in an appearance including Spring Crocus, Daisy, Common Dog Violet, Lesser Celandine and selection of Daffodils.
A Sparrowhawk stretching its wings and beginning to rise up into the sky, the circles getting larger as it rose.
Hopping in amongst the dark green leaves of the Escallonia were a couple of House Sparrows.