A gorgeous morning today. The frosty start soon warmed up by glorious sunshine.
Sunnydale was alive with birdsong, the faint aroma of Wild Garlic in the air, and the soft pink blossom of the recently planted Cherry tree and rich purple Crocuses added a touch of colour to the scene. A loud yaffle of a Green Woodpecker pierced through the trees from the long meadow. The promise of spring filled the senses this morning after harsh weeks of cold and wet weather.
Along the coast path Gold Finches chattered and chased each other amongst the Tamarisk, Fulmars wheeled in circles by the cliffs, and the Guillemots rode the gentle sea swells as they ducked and splashed in the water. Stopping at the cliffs edge for a while a Great Black-backed Gull slipped by, its enormous wings spread wide, Shags skimmed low to the water, and Jackdaws shuffled amongst the grass in search of a morsel of food.
On the downs a Rabbit bounded for cover, startled as I passed by. A female Stone Chat sang from her bramble perch as Skylarks ascended, rich song filling the morning to rapid wing beats, before gently dropping back to earth. Lower down Common Daisies abound breaking the sea of green with flecks of white. Prickly Gorse with bursts of yellow mirrored the sun above.
Turning back through the wildflower meadows the song of Blue Tits, Robins, and Blackbirds grew louder. A male Chaffinch sat high, sunlight gleaming off his rusty red breast, song bursting out loud and clear.
Rounding back around the wildlife garden Elder buds were springing to life, the vibrant and lush green of new leaves beaming from the otherwise sleepy hedge.
Also seen on the park were Siskin, Red-legged Partridge, Peregrine, Kestrel, and Sparrowhawk.