“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature -- the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.” – Rachel Carson
In these strange times, it is reassuring to find spring coming as normal, as familiar sights, sounds and scents appear around the park – proof that whatever loss and uncertainty we are faced with, the world is still turning!
Out in the meadows, yellow Cowslips bob in a chilly NNE breeze, with the carefree melodies of a Skylark hurled into the air from high overhead. Around the fields, Hawthorn is covered in eye-wateringly green leaves, with Blackthorn now not only covered with sweet scented white flowers, but also a few leaves.
The chorus of birdsong grows louder and more varied as the days pass, with the wheezing calls of Great Tits, excitable chatter of Blue Tits, repeated melodies of Song Thrushes, insistent song of Robins and surprisingly loud song of Wrens, forming a wonderful orchestra. Greenfinches “schwee” from among the scrub, with the syncopated rhythms of Dunnocks and sweet notes of Blackbirds adding to the chorus.
Along the Drove, Long-tailed Tits dart and chase, as a pair of Jackdaws collect nesting material from the path.
A Buzzard wheels slowly above the former tip, with Kestrel and Peregrine also out and about this morning.
Caravan Terrace looks lovely this morning, with Primroses dappling the grass, along with fresh new leaves of Bugle among the short turf. A Bullfinch perches in the scrub above.
Also in flower, Herb Robert, Hairy Violet, Early Scurvy Grass and Lesser Celandine along with the coconut=scented flowers of Gorse.
At Tilly Whim, a Rock Pipit skitters across the ledge, with a Black Redstart seen a moment later before disappearing under a tumbled rock.