A glorious morning for a wander around Durlston National Nature Reserve. In the north-west the moon was showing, the virtually full white circle looking down from the blue sky.
Across in front of the moon flew a small flock of Goldfinches, their tinkling call filling the air with this lovely sound.
In the opposite direction the sun was just rising over the horizon, changing from deep pink, to orange to gold as it got higher, and as it did the colours across the land altered with it – just gorgeous.
Along the cliffs the gargling calling of the Guillemots captured the ear well before I could see them, then looking along the cliffs, peering past the tall dead Teasel head, the Guillemots on the ledge came into vision, packed on as they prepare for the breeding season.
Down on the water more Guillemots, plus 4 Razorbills these showing a much blacker colouration, the difference subtle but on inspection easy to spot! The Razorbills have only just started to come back to visit (first seen on Monday 13th), after their winter away.
Soaring around were 4 Fulmars, going in and out from the rocks, so difficult to count as they moved!
Across the meadows, fog was hanging low, a grey covering in place, emerging out of it was a Blackbird, calling loudly while somewhere in the fog was a Bullfinch – the squeaky sound heard but not seen.
A Kestrel was sitting on the top of a Hawthorn bush, its chestnut back being bathed in pinkish sunlight, the speckled front also catching the light – a quite magnificent sight.
Down in the gully, two Jays were having a massive disagreement, loud squawking echoing up the valley.
Reports on Tuesday of a Barn Owl in fields 6 & 3 – the third report from this area recently, I didn’t see it today, but it was foggy, so do keep an eye out for these white ghost like birds.
On the wall of the old visitor centre and offices, the bird box is being scouted out by a couple of Blue Tits, taking it in turns to stand on the edge of the hole, peering in.