A beautiful early morning, with a deep blue sky, a few small fluffy clouds and a chilly wind. This encouraged me to wander to the clifftops where the constant growling and gargling of Guillemots was a backdrop to the other sights and sounds. These wonderful birds scattered across the gently lapping sea, alongside 8 or so Razorbills and at least 200 more Guillemots packed onto the ledge while they prepare for the breeding season.
Perched on a limestone capper was a Rock Pipit, this slightly stripey looking bird singing, its tail cocked, as it took off it took part in the ‘typical’ umbrella flight and song of a spring bird.
Passing by a Peregrine Falcon, a good view of its grey back as I looked down on it, a group of Feral Pigeons scattering along the rocks while Jackdaws stood and cackled.
Halfway down – or up- the cliffs a Shag stood, with its crest raised, the sunlight catching the feathers producing a fantastic deep green colour.
A flittering of gold and red and the Goldfinches landed amongst the delicate white flowers of Blackthorn, which is now in abundance across the Country Park.
Around the corner the musical fluty tune of a Blackcap greeted me, A bit of scanning and it was spotted perched in the branches of a Hawthorn tree.
Along the hedgerows and amongst the grass patches of Lesser Celandine are wide open, a gorgeous splash of waxy yellow petals. Much paler the Primroses, while just starting to open out are a few Bluebells and Forget-me-nots.
Out on the downs the Early Spider Orchids are more difficult to see than the small Hairy Violets, the orchids being green and brown so more camouflaged against the grassy banks.
Overhead a Kestrel began to hover, I always enjoy watching the precision and skill of this smallish bird of prey as it searches for movement and tell-tale signs of breakfast below!