A blustery walk across Durlston National Nature Reserve this morning, begun by the sight of 100+ Starlings swooping and stalling in the wind, their triangular black shapes moving together.
As I passed a hedge laden with Hawthorn berries, a flicker of movement from between the strands of Old Man’s Beard caught my attention. A flash of flame orange and a Firecrest appeared in front of me. So close I could almost have touched it! The white stripe across its eye and black marking on its face, plus the bright stripe down its head – really good views of this tiny bird which is normally hiding behind a twig or leaf at the top of the trees.
Standing on the top of the hill, the wind was buffeting me, making it difficult to stand still, but it was a glorious view, along the coast to St Aldhelm’s Head, the weak sunlight bathing the downland, while looking out to sea, the water was covered in white crests.
A sudden clapping of feathers and a flock of 40+ Wood Pigeon zoomed past, a Raven croaked loudly as it too headed east.
On the grassy slopes an interesting selection of fungi, with Parasols, Field Blewitt and Field Mushrooms fairly large, while some tiny yellow Wax Caps have emerged as have the Common Puffball.
Also to be spotted low down are the white flowers of Wild Carrot of Yarrow, plus those of the Daisy, with a bright yellow centre.
Fluttering from a tuft of Tor Grass a couple of Meadow Pipits, both calling noisily as they took off.
A Kestrel attempted to hover above the gully before heading off into the shelter of inland, while on the cliffs the Guillemots were once again packed onto the ledges, a mass of black and white.
Back up towards the trees and I spend a few moments fascinated as I watched a Blue Tit, pulling the bark from the branch of a Sycamore, perhaps attempting to get to some tasty insect hiding beneath.
An appearance of a Goldcrest and a Chiffchaff in amongst the tangled mas of Bramble, drew my attention, as I continued my walk back to the centre.