The skies dark grey as I began my very early patrol, but hope of a brighter day coming in from the southern horizon!
Resting in amongst the long green grass was a Roe Deer, his antlers showing well as he turned his head.
Deciding to head off across the meadows – still very wet and muddy in places – the wonderful sound of Skylarks accompanied me. Their small brown bodies fluttering and flapping as they remain hanging in the air, pouring out their song.
The Blackthorn hedge now covered in beautiful off-white blossom, and moving within it a Bullfinch, which then perched for me to amaze at the stunning pink chest against the flowery backdrop.
Further along on an Elder, whose leaves have now unfurled, was a Chaffinch, this male calling, but not singing, took me a while to recognise the sound.
The ‘seep’ of a Greenfinch, turning my head towards a Hawthorn where it was sat, the green-yellow stripes just showing in the early gloom.
As April approaches the Cowslips are starting to carpet the fields, mostly fairly short, bit as it warms and dries I am hoping for another wonderful show.
Out on the downland a Yellowhammer was calling, but no sign so far of the Cirl Bunting seen yesterday (a very close relative).
Amongst the short turf the Early Spider Orchids are becoming more common, the soft brown heads emerging as the pale green petals unfurl.
Sliding across the limestone a Lapidary Snail (also known as the Wall Snail), which has a flattened shell with a distinct ridge, more like a flying saucer!
Insects are getting out, with an Oil Beetle digging in the earth, and a Violet Ground Beetle scuttling over the grass. A Greater Bloody-nosed Beetle also wending its way over the leaves of Nettle and a Buff-tailed Bumble Bee buzzing.