Another glorious spring morning, with a perfect dome of blue sky overhead, a bright blue sea lapping at the cliffs, the bright green turf studded with spring flowers and above it all, the joyous carolling of Skylarks.
As spring transforms the park with its “spirit of divine discontent”, there are new surprises to discover by the day. Out in the meadows, a scattering of Cowslips hint at the carpet of yellow to come, with a round, furry-bodied Bee Fly sipping nectar from the blooms with his long proboscis.
In the hedgerows, Blackcaps sing from among the white Blackthorn blossom, with Wrens, Robins, Blackbirds, Song Thrushes and Blue Tits all in good voice. Along the drove, a party of 7 or 8 Long-tailed Tits bustle along, with a sudden hush as a Sparrowhawk serves around the corner.
In the Saxon Field, a Green Woodpecker picks through an anthill, before heading of across the field with his characteristic ‘bouncy’ flight. Overhead, a couple of Sand Martins (newly returned from Africa) pass by.
High above the Lighthouse Field, a Kestrel balances on the air with just a few gentle flicks of her wings and tail.
Above Tilly Whim a Wheatear, immaculate in his black, white and grey plumage struts across the short turf. Nearby, a glossy black Bloody-nose Beetle plods mechanically along among flowering patches of Early Scurvy Grass.
Trees are bursting their buds, with an Ash near the Learning Centre covered in flowers and the yellow flowers of Sallow covered in droning Buff-tailed Bumble Bees.
On the short turf, intense blue Hairy Violets are in bloom, along with constellations of Daisies and bright yellow Lesser Celandine.