A break in the cloud, for the low winter Sun to burst into view. Golden light shimmers upon the dull sea which calmly moves East. A diagonal path descends to the clifftop. It’s filled with gentle tweets and chirps from an array of bird species hidden amongst the scrub; Bullfinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, and Robin.
Either side of the path, habitat management work is being carried out to reclaim the grassland. Big dumpy bags filled with Blackthorn and Bramble, now labelled, Bradfords, Jewson, and Travis Perkins.
Gorse continues to blossom, and the scatterings of its vibrant yellow flowers flow down to the cliffs. More birds chime into the dawn chorus; incessant ringing from multiple Wrens, deep churring of Great Tit, and the calling of Chaffinch in rhythms of three.
It’s calming to hear the waves gently sloshing around the foot of the cliffs. The Portland limestone rises vertically and provides refuge for Durlston’s seabirds. Today, the looping flight of Fulmar, a low beating Shag, and a ledge packed full of trilling Guillemot. Above, yellowing Tamarisk is adorned with silhouetted Jackdaw. Herring Gull patrolling on the wing.
As I walk past the Observation Point, the Jackdaws take flight. They are known collectively as a ‘clattering’ which is usually apt, though today they move silently through the air.
Below the windy wall, a Peregrine Falcon is perched upon a precipice. Her grey head with distinctive moustache twitches from side to side as she eyes the movement of passing Woodpigeon. Barring across her chest feathers provides camouflage against the rock, but bright yellow feet and bill alight in the Sun’s rays.