A walk in the woods to start of the day. A Song Thrush perched by the oak gates looking resplendent in speckled finery. The canopy was alive with bird song, Great Tits calling, Blue Tits chattering, Robins singing sweet, tumbling melodies. Sunshine streamed through the trees illuminating the coast path and walls with bursts of gold. Down below the waters of Durlston bay were glittering calm, twinkling sparks of light leaping from the surface.
Passing the Dell two Chaffinches sat high in a Sycamore warming themselves in that morning glow. A Raven sat on the clifftop below the globe, harsh grating croaks emanating from massive bill a deep contrast to the high nasal whines of the Guillemots bobbing on the waters underneath.
The sea was alive with movement. Razorbills sat calmy in amongst the hubbub of their noisier cousins, Shags dashed back and forth, Fulmars wheeled as they attempt to find a good landing on jagged rocks. Rock Pipits peeped and cheeped as they scratched around the ground looking for a crumb or two.
Walking towards Castle Woods a Buzzard swooped out of a large patch of flowering Gorse. Although common they are magnificent, and a real treat to see one so close. A little further on a marvellous Greenfinch perched atop a Hawthorn calling out. Its yellow/green breast gleaming brightly in the sunshine. Nestled in the shade, lightly dusted with frost, I found a small cluster of Deceiver (Laccaria laccate) mushrooms.
Back into the woods the chatter of birds returned from all directions. Although a chilly, mildly frosty morning the sun brought a hum of life in all quarters. A good day to be out in Durlston.