The wonderful smell of Poplar leaves as they open wafting through the woods, was accompanied by the more-acrid Wild Garlic and Three-cornered Leek, whose white flowers are now emerging from amongst the large green leaves.
A burst of Horse Chestnut leaves, with, hopping between the brown sticky bud coverings Chiffchaffs. These small brownish birds stopping every now and then to call their name out loudly in a staccato manner.
A good number of Willow Warblers flitting in and out of the delicate off-white Blackthorn blossom, these birds have just arrived back in this country after a winter abroad, and this is likely to be their first landing site. The large flowers of Apple blossom attracting Blue Tits.
On the downs the Early Spider Orchids are popping up, keep an eye out where you are walking so as not to tread on them. Have a close look and you can admire the furry brown shape which has beady eyes. Also coming out are the purple Green-veined Orchid.
While I was crawling around on the ground a huge female Oil Beetle scooted past, moving at a speed my photo came out blurred! Other insects noted included Lesser Bloody-nosed Beetle, Beefly and Buff-tailed Bumble Bee.
In the gully a Black Redstart was singing, this species rarely breeds here so hopefully this bodes well for this year. Nearby Stonechats also singing and Song Thrushes pouring out their gorgeous song.
Further reports from others out and about, made me a little green with envy, particularly the first Redstart of the year, spotted along the coast path (the one part of the National Nature Reserve I didn’t visit today!).
Also all three of our Wagtails, the black and white Pied Wagtail, Yellow Wagtail and Grey Wagtail, all flying overhead.