Low grey cloud, with the occasional patch of blue sky and even more occasional blast of sunshine accompanied me this morning as I wandered around Durlston. The sound of a Skylark was coming from amidst the mist, not chance of seeing it, but wonderful to hear the musical tune.
A Raven croaked, Jackdaws cackled and a Pheasant squawked, while I was watching a superb male Kestrel. The grey and chestnut colours flashing as he swooped and rose before hovering perfectly, a sudden drop and he picked up something small – looked like a vole in his talons – breakfast success.
The old Pear is encrusted with lichens while perched on the twigs was a Chiffchaff. In the Willow, a Blue Tit was moving amongst the furry silver ends, a few of which are now bursting into yellow.
On the downs a scattering of little purple Hairy Violets as well and Common Whitlow Grass and Hairy Bittercress, while above me a Sparrowhawk swung and swooped past.
No Wheatears seen today although a couple were reported over the weekend in the sunshine.
From overhead the sounds of Meadow Pipits, Pied Wagtails, a single Grey Wagtail, plus a few Siskin.
On the cliffs the ledge was empty of Guillemots, and only a few were on the water, however this gave me a great opportunity to watch the 5 Fulmars which were circling around. Amazing as they quartered, rising up then dropping, the black feathers around the eyes easily seen as they passed at cliff height.
A Black Redstart flitted up from the limestone rock into the Blackthorn, a sudden flash of dull red from its tail as it flicked it up and down.
A Fox trotted across the path, the white brush the last thing to disappeared amongst the long grass.