As I came out a Swallow was swooping across the blue sky – sunshine and a chilly easterly wind again.
From the blossom covered Blackthorn scrub of Durlston Bay, the continuous calling of a Chiffchaff was accompanied by the delightful songs of Blackcap, Blackbird and Song Thrush, while perched on the top of a Sycamore a Chaffinch, also performing his song.
As I looked down a splash of dark pink caught my attention, the Flowering Currant covered in flowers.
Hovering above the green leaves of the Parson-in-the-pulpit was as Beefly, the ginger fur and wings almost triangular, the long proboscis protruding from its mouth.
Patches of dark purple Ground Ivy, alongside the taller bright blue of Green Alkanet and delicate yellow of Primroses. More purple from Greater Periwinkle and Common Dog Violet, while the Hairy Violet is generally paler in colour and slightly more delicate looking.
To the cliffs where the Fulmars were soaring, 4 around the cliffs and another sat in a nook in the rockface, cackling as ethe others passed by.
On the sparkling water 100+ Guillemots were splashing along with at least 20 Razorbills. On a ledge a Shag was standing, a superb specimen, a deep green sheen on the feathers catching the sunshine, while the yellow gape (around the beak) and huge webbed feet also noticed.
On the wall by the Lighthouse, I was treated to a Meadow Pipit and Rock Pipit standing alongside each other, both visible at the same time through my binoculars so allowing a great opportunity to compare the two species.
Yesterday while leading the “Spring has Sprung” guided walk we were lucky enough to see a Green Woodpecker – the first I have seen for over a year – I was hoping to spot again this morning but sadly not. Our population of these green, yellow and red birds has plummeted over the last few years, from bird seen daily to nothing – hence my excitement.