Heading down the timeline recently tidied by some volunteers on our Tuesday work party. I look down into the dell to see a Cherry tree in full bloom, branches covered in pale pink blossom. Considering its still the middle of January its quite early for blossom.
As I head down the steep hill a large flock of Herring Gulls passes over head, with lots more trailing behind. They all come to a stop above the apartment buildings on the other side of Durlston Bay. Calling to each other and circling the area more still more in to see what all the fuss is about, perhaps an upturned bin?
On the water Guillemots bob about the on the surface in wall scattered rafts. The sound the birds chattering on the ledge below fills the air. Four Fulmars elegantly soar in and out of the cliffs edge, occasionally having there well flown path interrupted by the passing gull. Looking back towards the Guillemot ledge its packed today with the birds having to fight for space.
The loud croaking call of a Raven pulls my attention towards to of the large black birds as they patrol the cliff top. Just as I turn to leave a Peregrine Falcon zooms past towards the light house and out of sight, before abruptly turning and come back my way. The dark grey back pointed wings and white cheeks making easy to recognise.
The bright yellow of Gorse adds a splash of colour to the dull morning as I head up the diagonal path. Above the goat plot a Kestrel hover perfectly still in the air looking for breakfast. Wings and tails making minute adjustments to keep the bird still, it eventually gives up and moves on to a different area.
In the bird hide the feeders are buzzing with activity with Blue Tits and Great Tits coming form all directions to get some breakfast. Amongst them a larger plumper bird can be seen as the Dunnock waits for its turn on the feeder. Resting on a tall bare tree branch towards the back of the wildlife garden a Kestrel takes a short well-deserved break before getting back to the job of looking for dinner.