Yet again, another frosty morning. The pond is frozen and no birds are visiting the bird feeders. I can hear a Great Tit merrily chirping from the scrub, and Woodpigeons coo from the Copse. All of the branches stand motionless, and my ears become attune to the droplets of melting ice, as they drip from the trees.
I was hoping for milder weather, but at least there is a satisfying crunch underfoot and I can stroll across the muddiest puddles with ease. This includes venturing to the Cows trough – usually a sloppy pit of slippery mud. I break a thin layer of ice in the trough, though the cows don’t seem worried, probably content with their field being turned into one big sorbet.
It's a misty morning and the Sun slowly reveals itself, but remains obscured by the thick cloud. I can stare directly at it, as it is so faint, shining through like a dull full Moon. I’m followed by a few Wrens as I descend the slopes to the Lighthouse and the Sun disappears once again.
The sound of the Guillemots is carried as far as Tilly Whim. I can see them huddled on their ledge and splayed out across the water. Amongst them, a good number of Razorbills, identified by their stockier appearance and broad bill.
Likewise notable in number was the amount of Shags to-ing and fro-ing along the coast today. Katie also reported a Cormorant at Durlston Head. Jackdaws scavenge across the top of the cliffs, and a Fulmar loops back and forth with its wings outstretched. Perched atop the cliff was a Peregrine, though she didn’t stick around for long, and must have taken off whilst out of sight.
On my return, I briefly stepped into the woodland. I saw a couple Jays and actual crowds of Grey Squirrels below the Holm Oaks.