I started my walk from the learning centre the energetic calls of several Great Tits are accompanied by the slower cooing of a Wood Pidgeon. I pause to watch a Robin, fluffed up against the morning chill, singing from the top of a clump of Bramble. He had chosen his spot well silhouetted by the sun rising out of the sea.
I continue around Durlston head, four Carrion Crows soar slowly past at a level with me croaking to each other. I look out towards the Isle of Wight just visible through the morning haze I notice a group of around 50 Guillemots flying low over the water West to East.
Along the cliff top trail was the place to be this morning. The Guillemot ledge was busy and the sound of the jostling birds filled the air. Plenty of Guillemots of the water as well I counted 56 in a long line stretching out from the cliff, bobbing their heads in the water and occasionally rolling over slapping their wings making the most satisfying sound.
The stars of the show were the Fulmars, six individuals this morning all effortlessly gliding off the cliffs. They would pass so close I could clearly see their sweet faces, then without a flap of their wings they soar round in a large loop to come by again. What a way to pass some time, oh to be a Fulmar.
I check the scrub above Tilly Whim for Adders, still too cold for them to be out this early. If the sun stays out I’d expect to see a small male making the most of the warm air.
I pass our Hereford Cattle grazing around the mile markers in lighthouse field. One has a Magpie sitting on its back probably hoping for an easy snack. A flick of the tail sees it off, a flash of iridescence as it fly’s off.