With the overcast grey cloud covering the sun, a fairly ‘dull’ patrol, but lots of wildlife to keep me interested.
Singing beautifully, from high in the sky, were Skylarks, at least 3 producing a delightful song as they surveyed the territory below, - to those who have been up enjoying the Park, thank you for keeping to the designated paths, as by reducing the disturbance to these ground nesting birds, they are more likely to successfully produce and fledge chicks.
Along a hedgerow the Blackthorn blossom is looking fantastic, a showering of slightly pinked tinged white petals. In amongst these a blurr of activity. This included a couple of Bullfinches whose white rumps showed up when they flew, the pink chests of the male stunning when facing me, the female a much browner pink.
A charm of Goldfinches also flitting about, a tinkling sound as they land and chatter amongst themselves. The ‘seeping’ call of a Greenfinch alerted me to this brightly coloured bird perched in the leaves of a Hawthorn.
Spring migration is slow at present although a Swallow was seen along with 2 Siskins. But no sign of a Whitethroat today – one was reported earlier in the week.
Out on the downs the Early Spider Orchids are up, mostly fairly short but still perfect, the shiny eye spots only to be spotted if you are on your hands and knees!
Without the sunshine the Lesser Celandine flowers are mostly closed, but the Cowslips, still not yet at their carpeting best, are now looking splendid particularly in the Johnston and Centenary Meadows.
From a clump of Gorse the song of a Blackcap wafted towards me, a bit of scanning with the binoculars and I was able to watch it, black capped head tilted back as it sung.
Many of our Daffodils are still in bloom, showing off the bright yellow trumpets, while along the hedgerows the Bluebells are now coming out. Many other flowers also to be spotted including Grape Hyacinth, Danish Scurvy Grass, Hairy Bittercress, Common Whitlow Grass and as usual Daisies – which can be found through the year!
The cliffs a hive of activity with Guillemots circling, wings whirring madly, on the water over 20 Razorbills bobbed and gliding majestically 3 Fulmars.