Calls from a Song Thrush greet me upon my arrival at Durlston this morning. It chants through its variety of calls in verses of twos and threes; each completely different to the last. Some high pitched and melodic with multiple syllables, whilst others short and almost robotic. Each entirely unique as if being sung by a different type of bird.
It sings from atop the bare branches of an Ash Tree, and fills the soundscape. Soft Woodpigeon coos, Wren, and Blue Tit chimes just a backing track to the lead singer’s chorus.
Further down into the woods, Great Tits call out amongst a copse of Elm and Holm Oak. One bird sings high shrill chirps, whilst another replies with deep rattling churrs. Whistles from Dunnock and Robin heard, all against the calming backdrop of water flowing around the sea cliffs below.
It draws me down to the clifftop, Sun rising in the distance. Fulmars swing out from the cliffs, steady wings outstretched as they glide to and fro in a circular flight. A good few Shags pass by below, long necks and lofty wings silhouetted black against the whitewater. Above, patrolling Herring Gull and the soaring flocks of Woodpigeon. Jackdaws chatter heard, and occasional sightings of Guillemot departing from their ledge.
It’s a little harder to find colour amongst the flora this time of year, but the orange berries of Stinking Iris, brighten the undergrowth through the woods and crimsons Haws still clung to their now leafless branches.
In a few spots across the park, you’ll find the winter-flowering Viburnum in bloom, decorated with its beautiful clusters of white flowers. Fruits have also appeared across the Japanese Spindle; rose-pink capsules splitting open to reveal the orange berries inside.