SAMPHIRE SIGHTINGS

Still very short of passerines at the Hoe, no black redstarts  or wheatears yet and the solitary stonechat has disappeared for the moment,however the peregrines are active around their nest site and the ravens are frequent visitors ,flying this way and that along the cliff top.Today a curlew was found near the main pond,probably the same bird that has been around on and off all winter,a male pheasant hurtled noisily into Woody Gully as I approached and a grey heron was watched rock pooling at the west end,it successfully speared a butterfish.Three skylarks were cavorting in the central area and one was later heard singing, perhaps the victorious male?A very dark grey seal was hunting along the sea wall in the morning and a couple of kestrels along the cliffs were the first seen for a while.

COCK PHEASANT

ROCK POOLING

BLACK GREY SEAL

CURLEW

COLTSFOOT The first flowers of the spring,so named because of the shape of the leaf which appears after the flower has bloomed. The early spider orchid rosettes are progressing so hoprfully they will be blooming soon,Iwill keep you posted.