A chilly wind blowing in across the sea from the south-east accompanied my early patrol around Durlston National Nature Reserve this morning.
The loud calling of two Great Black-backed Gull swirled around as they soared across Durlston Bay, a lovely sight with the white edging to their wings showing well in the sunlight.
By the Guillemot ledges, just a single Guillemot to be seen flying by, the ledge itself empty and nothing on the sea. This is the second day in a row when the auks have not been here, taking a last few chances to travel further out before the breeding season begins in April.
Along the coastal banks the bright yellow flowers of Gorse are now providing a covering, while hugging the ground patches of Common Whitlow Grass and Hairy Bittercress were spotted - their white flowers visible.
On the downland, the new fenceline was providing a great vantage point for a male Stonechat. This stunning bird sporting a deep black head, orange belly and white collar, as well as being easy to spot from its plumage, it was also calling – just like the sound of tapping two stones together.
Nearby a less well marked female was in attendance, whilst another Stonechat perched on the top of a patch of Brambles.
As I walked over the opt of the ridge towards the meadows, the sound of a Skylark could suddenly be heard. This forced me into spending ages looking skyward to spot this songbird. Eventually, through binoculars a tiny dark dot was visible against the blue sky – don’t really know why I was bothering to look!!
Still in bloom near the car parks the Cherry Plum, while one or two Hawthorns are now beginning to poke the bright green ends of their leaves through.
A quick look around the Wildlife Hide for the Cirl Bunting which has been around for a few days – but not spotted sadly. However I did see a Bullfinch and some Goldfinches instead.