A cloudy grey sky greeted me for the early patrol, seems like the first time for ages! In places there were dramatic dark grey clouds, let’s hope they will provide some rain!
Floating along, at the height of the clifftops was a flock of Herring Gulls, mostly youngsters covered in mottled grey feathers, but also some smart grey adults and some of last year chicks – such a range of plumage.
Skimming along low to the water was a Shag, with another two standing upright on a sea lapped rock. While higher up – for a change - was a Cormorant – I had to check carefully as this is usually the perch of a Shag, at they can look fairly similar
Against the dark grey cloud a glorious white Gannet passed, showing up superbly, the white wings and body gleaming against the backdrop.
Some bright yellow splashes of colour from the Golden Samphire as it stand tall, on dark green stems, along the coast, while the pale green Rock Samphire is also flowering, easily spotted by its fleshy leaves.
The Durlston Rock-sea Lavender is still providing a scattering of lilac flowers on the cliff edge, while the pink lips and thick leaves of Restharrow carpet the turf.
As I peered down at the single yellow flower of Mouse-ear Hawkweed, a small (about 5mm long) bee took flight – couldn’t work out the species in that glimpse!
In amongst the Blackthorn and Hawthorn bushes Common Whitethroats were easily spotted, poking their bright brown heads above the leaves, flashing the white throat and then bobbing down again. Less obvious were the Lesser Whitethroat and Garden Warbler, which took some studying to be sure.
Great views of Stonechats, a really good bird as they often sit on the top of bushes even when you are quite close!
In the meadows a male Roe Deer was browsing on the hedge, the tan colour showing against the green background, as I walked past the male turned its head to watch and keep an eye on me.