The scratchy song of a Common Whitethroat the dominant sound of the scrub this morning, this African migrant now to be spotted perched on the upper branches of the now fully leaved Hawthorn and on the Blackthorn which is still covered in blossom. As it perches and sings the white feathers on its throat move in and out, flashing even more obviously.
Other birds also taking advantage of the early sunshine, with Lesser Whitethroats sneaking through the branches of the bushes, while the Stonechats look splendid as they from the tops in their black, orange and white garb.
A steady stream of Swallows sweeping in from the south, the deep blue catching the light, while admiring these my vision was distracted by a Kestrel hovering above the scar banks of the downs, their ability to control themselves to keep their head remaining still always amazes me.
A single Swift whizzed across the sky, having just arrived back from winter abroad, the black scimitar shape with the swept back wings unmistakable as it flew overhead.
On the downland ridge hundreds of Early Spider Orchids to spot, at first glance nothing and then once one is spotted suddenly they are everywhere! Some have now gone over and are a pale greeny-brown, others have just opened to show the delightful furry brown ‘spider’
Patches of vivid blue Chalk Milkwort, the round heads of Salad Burnet and the small flowers of Horseshoe Vetch now emerging alongside the Hairy Violets and Speedwell which also blooms.
As I had a quick check of the new Hereford calves, 3 Roe Deer were grazing nearby and a Pheasant strutted, while Skylarks sung from above.
The Guillemots have now started laying, their egg snuggled on the tops of their feet as they start the 4 weeks of incubation.