A thick layer of cloud hovering just above Durlston this morning, no snow just lots of puddles to be splashed through!
Down to the cliffs, which were quieter than usual, the Guillemots have disappeared off out to sea to sit out the weather and perhaps relax before the breeding season takes hold. However 5 Razorbills were to be spotted bobbing in the sea just offshore.
Two Fulmars were soaring and gliding near the tops of the cliffs while skimming low above the water a Shag, whose crest was easily visible.
As I was wondering across the downland considering when I would spot the first Wheatears of the year – these are usually the first proper migrant birds to arrive from Africa – but with snow and the cold they are probably thinking better of leaving the warmth!
From the clump of Blackthorn, whose buds are still firmly sheathed, a pale greyish bird moved, mind turning not sure what it could be, but on closer inspection a Fieldfare was perched. This a winter migrant arriving usually arriving to avoid the cold of the north – confirming my thought as to why the Wheatears haven’t arrived yet.
Scattered across the turf a few white buds of flowers, the Common Whitlow Grass one of the first species to emerge in the Spring, nearby a few Hairy Bittercress flowers also to be seen.
Out on the most northern meadows, peering over a patch of Bramble scrub was a Deer, this one with a pale eyebrows which always make them (to me anyhow) look grumpy and frowning. This Sika Deer after a bit of a stand off bounced off across the field, flashing its bright white rump before joining up with 4 others producing a small herd of one female and 4 antlered males.