Wall to wall cloud for this morning, a change form last nights gorgeous starry sky, when the slither of Moon was also showing wonderfully.
Walking out towards the west of the National Nature Reserve, the ticking call of Robins was the most prominent sound as these birds perched and then flitted on the branches of the Blackthorn. When they faced outwards their orange red breasts added some much needed bright colour to the drabness.
Under my feet some of the puddles were crunching as the thin layer of ice broke!
Emerging, with a piping tweeting call, from amongst the meadow grass was a Meadow Pipit, as it took off the thin beak and streaky feathers could just be made out.
After having been seeing Jackdaws and Wood Pigeons, the different shape and movement of a bird of prey made me take stock – what species was it – after a bit of watching it turned out to be a Buzzard slowly gliding then flapping across, heading slowly westwards. I don’t usually expect to see Buzzards in the early morning!
I was hoping to get another glimpse of the Barn Owl which was spotted yesterday lunchtime, but sadly not to be. This is the third sighting in the last few months, not something we have often seen, hopefully they may turn up more in the future.
Loads of Guillemots on the main breeding ledges this morning, their calling and growling wafting up to the coastal path for me to hear! The constant movement of these colony a welcome addition to a dull January patrol.
Skimming further out was a single Gannet, the wings brilliant white against the grey sea, the black tips visible as they tilted their direction.
Yesterday, in the sunshine, a group of 15-20 Gannets were hanging around off Durlston Head, their display including some spectacular diving, as they tucked the wings into their sides and plummeted through the sea’s surface – a wonderful spectacle.