Heavy rain greats me on arrival to the park this morning. A strong breeze pushes the rain clouds through fast meaning the weather can’t make its mind up. Lesser Celandine fill the verges as I head to wards the top of the play trail, flowers still tightly furled in anticipation of some sunshine. Passing the recently laid hedge I admire the Blackthorn woven in, in full bloom, snowy white flowers contrasting beautifully to the dark brown branches.
Down to caravan terrace where a carpet of flowering Primrose looks a bit battered from the recent down poor. A rather soggy looking Robin hops on to the bright wall to sing, after having a big shake to try and dry itself. Further down the path Wayfaring trees can be seen starting to develop clusters of flower buds at the tops of there branches, while tiny leaves adorn the branches.
Round to the glass observation point where two Herring Gulls perch on a ledge near the top of the cliff with a Great Black Backed Gull just below them. A Shag bobs about on the water before taking of in dramatic fashion wings beating relentlessly to get the bird in the air. Three Fulmars soar out to sea flying close to the water before returning to the cliff. Guillemots are noted due to there absence.
Up the steep path past the mile markers, carful not to slip in the mud, a flock of seven Goldfinch bob on past overhead. Atop a Holm Oak to the right a Raven calls loudly, throwing its head forward to make the noise, they always sound like they have a soar throat.
With a few minutes to spare I head into the bird hide, about to leave after not spotting anything, a white blur appears to ward the back of the wildlife garden. The behind of Roe, it turns sideways so I can get a good look at it, a rather handsome buck with a fine-looking set of antlers atop its head, lazily munches away on the surrounding vegetation.