A fresh start to the day with crisp air and a gorgeous sunrise to wash away any tiredness. Coming into Durlston a Barn Owl swept out in front of me, effortlessly gliding away around the top of Long Meadow. I rushed around the corner to see if I could spot it again but it had vanished. Just after a Jay lazily bobbed from Sycamore to Oak with a flash of electric blue feathers.
Strolling through the meadows I met a number of Redwing and Blackbirds scurrying around in a scrub thicket, the latter chattering alarm calls as I neared. Woodpigeons raced across the sky, all looking busy and determined on their journeys.
The air was very still and the Gully was busy with life, mostly heard but there was movement around the fringes too. Strange that the skies were so quiet on a calm morning. Further down in the Gully I happened across a pair of Stonechat ducking and diving amongst the Blackthorn.
Along the coast Jackdaws chattered, Herring Gulls soared by on outstretched wings, and Shags skimmed low. I stopped to greet the Guillemots, the first time I’ve seen them since their return. It highlighted how empty the cliffs felt since they departed and the sight of them was incredibly welcome.
A short distance further on I turned to look back over Tilly Whim and the cliffs. I noticed something land and perch just below me and turned. I couldn’t believe my eyes, a Peregine Falcon had landed a mere five metres from me in full view. I had an incredible few minute watching it, eye sharp and clear, feather puffed up to keep it warm, and the fantastic details in its plumage, feet, and beak. Then it was gone.
Slowly back up through Castle Wood stopping to watch some Squirrels scampering around for nuts. Back at the centre the sky was alight with the sun forcing its lights in fantastic beams through the clouds to illuminate the icy grey sea.