More Shades Of Grey

 Well the good weather didn't last long 😂😂😂 we're back to grey days with mist or drizzle optional. The one thing that has been absolutely unchanging is the mud underfoot. Well, I say unchanging - the depth and quality of said mud has varied a bit!

It has been 20+ days since I saw the first Small Tortoiseshells of the year back in February, but to see another on Tuesday looking smart and pristine rather than faded and worn was a bit of a surprise. Stream Dike was the location for this beauty.

Small Tortoiseshell

Just next door was a bumblebee, not just any old bumblebee but my first Common Carder Bumblebee of the year.

Common Carder Bumblebee

I've been walking on the seafront most mornings to escape from the wet, muddy ground and the need to wear wellies (urghhh sweaty feet generators!) and every now and then you are presented with a picture postcard view. Cue a nice line up of gulls on the groyne by The Hub.

Wonder what they are queueing for?

Elsewhere the birds are starting to move, with Meadow Pipits and Skylarks in the vanguard.

Meadow Pipit on the cliff top

The number of Chiffchaffs arriving has also increased, with double figures every morning now being the norm. They are usually to be found feeding and singing in the tops of trees but come down into the lower branches and into shrubs if food leads them there. This morning's light was poor, hence the poor quality of these images.

Chiffchaff along Southorpe Road this morning

As above

The Rookery at Weatherhill is good and busy with birds bringing in twigs, large twigs and what look to be branches sometimes! They don't always just fly straight in to the nest to drop their wares, occasionally they circle with the twigs in their beaks until some message reaches them that the recipient in the nest is ready to accept the offering.

Weatherhill Rookery - the sound of spring

Rook with nest material

It's early days yet but the Marsh Harriers and the Common Buzzards at the Mere haven't shown much sign of hooking up yet. A few encounters have been observed but nothing to suggest any serious pairing up.

Back at home things are looking good for our resident Smooth Newts, both male and female were seen in the pond yesterday - but they were camera shy as always.

Norman Newt hiding from the papparazi