A bit of a shock to the system this morning, as a strong and chilly easterly wind was blowing across the National Nature Reserve, making me wish for another layer of clothing and for the birds to stop hiding amongst the bushes.
The sound of a Song Thrush gustily singing from the Hawthorn, this bird took a long time to spot as it was deep within the branches which are now covered in small bright green leaves.
A stroll along the gully was fairly unproductive except for a Chiffchaff skulking within the Wild Clematis, every now and then the two tone call of its name echoing across the area.
The Blackthorn is now adding green leaves to the white blossom, which when combined makes it look a pale green colour, perched on the top of one the spiny twigs was a Stonechat, black head, orange chest and white flash making it quite unmistakable. So far this year, there seems to be a good number of Stonechats across the Park, the same seems to be the case for Linnets, who like to breed in the large clumps of scrub.
Patches of white Sea Campion flowers now emerging along the clifftops, alongside the Danish Scurvy Grass and a few buds of Thrift.
A I looked along the rock face hundreds of Guillemots came into view, all squashed onto the large breeding ledge, most with their black backs turned outwards. It is still a few days too early for them to be laying eggs but preparations are well under way.
On the water 5 Razorbills were bobbing, a Shag was also there turned over and under the water for an early morning spruce up, it crest of feathers flapping in the wind.
Flying by in the distance was single Brent Goose, while close in the majestic sight of a Peregrine Falcon captured my attention. A Rock Pipit flitted up before singing as it rocked its way back on the cliffs