A day like yesterday, with constant drizzle, makes today even more glorious, the sunshine giving a wonderful spring feel to the early morning rounds.
The birds were taking full advantage of the still conditions, perched on the tops of the bushes singing loudly, this gives the ideal opportunity to recall each song.
From the top of a Gorse bush came the knocking of a Stonechat in pale orange chest and brown headed plumage. Alongside this a Wren was perched a very different shaped body and a louder blasting song.
On the grass below was a large Rabbit, sunbathing in the warmth of the rays, while at the top of the ridge two doe Roe Deer stood gazing down at me, small black tips on their ears, one looking a bit scruffy as it was losing some of its winter coat.
Early March is usually the start of spring bird migration, so I was hopeful of sighting the first Wheatear – but no luck. However The Rocks Pipits were displaying along the cliff tops, singing and fluttering down a bit like a twirling umbrella (in my opinion).
A carpet of Danish Scurvy Grass sprawling low across the limestone rocks, a mass of small white flowers and fleshy leaves. Flying past allowing me a super view was a Fulmar, the black feathers around its eye easily seen.
High above a Raven croaked drawing my attention away from the empty Guillemot ledges. In doing so a Kestrel was also spotted gliding above the grassland, the chestnut back catching the light.
Above the downs the gorgeous melody of a Skylark was soon joined by a second, while the ‘wheeze’ of a Greenfinch was coming from amongst the budding Blackthorn. As I search for a yellow-green flash of wing I spotted the brilliant pink chest of a male Bullfinch – which halted my search for a while as I admired it.
Definitely worth getting out today!