Beautiful colourful berries adorn the Japanese Spindle along the Entrance Road. The clusters appear almost red, but a closer inspection will reveal bright orange seeds pushing through the enclosing pink fruit. I hear a Great Tit ‘churr’ from the Wych Elm, and see a couple Goldfinch hop between the branches.
At the front of the Castle, the Daffodil stems have grown tall, and now their tips are growing broader and turning yellow. Below, a couple white flowers are showing on the Three-cornered Leek, and fresh pale green leaves have sprouted across the Fuchsia.
I head down the Clifftop Trail, descending the slope towards Durlston Head. A Robin sits atop the Sycamore tree by the bridge; it’s redbreast is puffed up and heartily singing for all to hear. At least 5 Blue Tits flit between the bare Blackthorn, their bright yellow-green feathers reflecting the morning sunlight.
Woodpigeons rush past as I reach the end of the promontory. I hear a loud and sudden ‘swoooosh’ as they pass. A more gentle flutter of wings can be heard amongst the scrub; a little Dunnock hiding between the thorns.
A cool breeze rolls through me as I turn towards the Lighthouse. Common Gulls and a Great Black-backed Gull pass above me, whilst lots of Jackdaws play on the slopes. From the Observation Point, I can see a mix of Guillemots and Razorbills floating on the water. A couple Fulmars loop to and from the cliffs, whilst a Shag passes by, carrying a stick in it’s beak.
No Adders could be seen at Tilly Whim, though these calm sunny mornings lend themselves to potential sightings. I climb up through the goat plot field to check out an area recently cleared of Gorse. My senses are filled with a blend of cow pats and smoldering ash.
I pass through the kissing gate at the top of Lighthouse Field to find a Ground Beetle (probably Nebria brevicollis) scurrying across the mud.