A thick fog was hanging over Durlston, visibility across the fields limited to about 25m, so my patrol was marked by the soundscape of Spring.
From the Blackthorn, whose buds are looking about to burst into flower, came the weak, piping song of Dunnock, while from the adjacent Hawthorn the song of a Chaffinch was emanating, much more forcefully.
A Chiffchaff, going chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff-chiff-chaff-chiff was piercing the grey fog, somewhere a greeny-brown warbler was singing.
In the distance the loud laughing yaffle of a Green Woodpecker was heard as was the deep croak of a Raven.
The seep of a Greenfinch and the tinkling of Goldfinches was accompanied by the tunes of a Song Thrush, while on the ground the sounds of a Blackbird turning over the leaf litter under the hedgerow.
Down to the cliffs in the hope of better (or some) views, here I could just make out Guillemots on the water, a quick count of 90 plus 5 Razorbills, the sound of them flapping and flicking their wings on the water as they had a quick wash and brush up, adding to the almost growling calls they make to each other.
A long-necked Shag flew into a ledge, its wispy crest just visible, while 2 Fulmars were circling towards and away from the cliffs.
In amongst the short grass a few Hairy Violets showing well, while the tiny white flowers of Common Whitlow Grass are scattered around like flecks. Large patches of the sturdier, thicker stemmed Hairy Bittercress is showing its white flowers.
Some bright purple-blue Grape Hyacinth, yellows of Primroses, Daffodils and Dandelions, plus the very underrated Daisy all showing spring is on the way.
More unusually though, particularly in March, a False Oxlip was in flower along the hedgerow, taller and a combination of its parents the Primrose and a Cowslip. (neither currently in flower in the area)