On this drab and damp morning, water droplets drip from catkins that hang upon the Hazel. Not a bird to seen peering across the pond from the Hide, though a Chaffinch sings and a couple Song Thrush call out nearby.
My boots squelch in the mud as I pass the Warden’s cottage and listen to two Magpie churr as they communicate to one another between the hedgerows.
Crows caw from towards the Large Copse, but I turn left across the soggy fields of South and Saxon. Yesterday, the Peveril NCI reported a White-tailed Eagle heading towards Durlston, but right now just Woodpigeon on the wing.
As I’m walking through the labyrinth of Blackthorn, there’s a rumble of wings amongst the scrub, and two brown birds, possibly Meadow Pipits, burst into flight.
The Hereford Cows are spread right across Lighthouse Field, and call to each from across the gully. The more high-pitched moo’s coming from the younger calves.
Nice to see a good few Fulmar floating along the cliffs. I love the flight pattern of these birds - wings outstretched, they soar in close to the cliffs, coming within inches of landing, before bailing back out above the sea, pink feet flailing behind.
Below, the squeaks from a Rock Pipit and many trills breaking out from the Guillemots ledge, possibly alarmed by the passing Raven. All the while, you can hear the slapping of wings as the rafting birds preen themselves upon the water.
A symphony of bird song can be heard all around the Dell, Blue Tit taking position in the Sycamore, Robin atop the Blackthorn, and a medley of Goldfinch amongst the Ash branches. Soothing to the ears.