This morning I was greeted to a beautiful cloudscape, painted across a blue sky in a dark grey to white spectrum. Makes for a better contrast compared to yesterday’s sun snow sun snow fiasco! Although the ant hills were still covered in a dusting of frost reminding us that is still feels as fresh as Winter over Spring.
To the casual observer bird activity would’ve seen minimal but me and Cat were greeted to a range of birdsong across our patrol! Outside the Learning Centre Robins could be heard alongside the gentle chatter of overhead Goldfinches, and the bickering chirps of House Sparrows amongst the hedgerows. In the distance was a cooing Woodpigeon and some melodic Dunnocks.
As we headed towards the woodland the atmosphere was calm and peaceful, with barely a wave in sight. Long-tailed tits flittered across the Holm Oaks, and a startled flock of Jackdaws and Ravens flew West across the bay. The differing shades of green provided by Stinking Iris, Buddleia and the breaking leaves of Hawthorn were contrasted by the beautiful sight of Apple blossom. The sound of a Blackbird rang across the canopy, with a Song Thrush and the prominent trill of a Wren greeting us as we walked towards the meadows.
It's fascinating to see the rate of seasonal change from meadow to meadow, with some meadows baring a sea of Cowslips whilst in others they’re only starting to emerge! Rows of Blackthorn blossom are a common but amazing sight, whilst Hairy Violets are scattered across the grassland. Signs of Early Spider Orchid can be seen but still lie in wait to flower. They seem so close!
Heading back to the Learning Centre, the distinguishable call of a Chiffchaff echoed in Small Copse alongside some Blue tits. Chiffchaffs (Phylloscopus collybita) are a migrant species but some will stay in the UK all year round! They are best identified by their classic “chiff-chaff chiff-chaff” call but can also be recognised by their dark legs, in comparison to the very similar Willow Warbler which have paler, orange-brown legs. This time of the year is perfect to try spot Chiffchaffs, flittering high in the trees hunting for insects.
There’s been a report of a Dolphin off Peveril Point (last seen at 9:15am) so make sure to keep your eyes peeled!