A very dull and quiet morning, with not a breath of wind across the National Nature Reserve. The only sounds that could be hears we those of the old industries of Purbeck. The chug-chug of a fishing boat, as it went to inspect the crab pots. From just inland the rumbling of stone was heard as the diggers and machinery moved this heavy rock.
A flashing view of a Sparrowhawk as it took flight the middle of a Blackthorn bush, swinging along the hedgeline then up and over to land in the branches of a Hawthorn. As it perched here I could get a better look at this majestic bird.
The ground is now quite damp and becoming muddy – no sun or wind to dry it out – so also a bit slippery in places! Along the edges of some of the paths a sparce sprinkling of Daisies.
The coast path has flowering Gorse along it, one of the very few areas of brightness this morning. Perched on the top of one of these bushes was a Stonechat, for once silent, but the markings easily distinguished – orange front, white collar and dark head.
The sudden croak of a Raven pierced the air, and there on the dry-stone wall was one of the ese magnificent corvids, the Jackdaws then proceeded to cackle and clack on mass.
The cliffs awash with Guillemots again today, hundreds packed closely on their ledges, but whilst watching they began to turn around showing off their white chests rather than dark brown backs. Then on mass they took flight, a fantastic whirr of wings buzzing.
In the distance a few more were in flight, as were 2 Red-throated Divers, a very different shape with their long necks.
Patches of Wild Cabbage showing pale green leaves.