Bright sunshine as I began today, choosing to head towards the cliffs I was greeted by Dunnocks arguing over the Tamarisk perches, Chaffinches warming up their songs from the Hazel and a superb opportunity to watch a flock of Goldfinches as they flitted around the Holm Oaks and Blackthorn. Nearby, the purple flowers and large green leaves of the Greater Periwinkle covered the ground.
Below on the rocks a Shag was stood, tis crest bending upwards, making this bird look quite splendid as the sun’s rays turned it a deep green.
Not a single Guillemot about, they must have gone for their regular March long weekend away before settling down for the long breeding season! However a little further out than normal were 10 Razorbills bobbing on the gently lapping water.
At the edge of a carpet of Danish Scurvy Grass was a Rock Pipit, resting before starting another burst of display flight and song, while a Black Redstart twitched its tail from the rock nearby.
All across the downland and the meadows the sound and sight of Skylarks, at least 6 heard singing, just glorious.
Perched on a dry-stone wall a couple of Meadow Pipits (I was so hoping they were going to be Wheatears as I am yet to see one this spring!).
Crawling on my hands to knees to admire my first blue flower of Chalkhill Milkwort, in the corner of my eye a flash of furry brown, and I as lucky enough to see a Weasel. This long thin furry brown sausage was bounding across the path before disappearing into a patch of Bramble.
The Mining Bees have begun to emerge, leaving small piles of fresh earth around the round entrances to their overwintering homes.
As I finish writing two Long-tailed Tits are collecting cobwebs from just outside the window – great views!
Moth trap out last night - a few species including Early Grey, Common Quaker and Hebrew Character.