Pink sky with the sunrise obscured by cloud.
The weather has turned once again, with strong winds battering Durlston from the South. A Jay struggles to land atop the trees in Reservoir Copse; it’s feathers ruffled, and looking rightfully disappointed as it abort the landing and dives down towards the ground. It’s a stark contrast following the calm sunshine and respite from Storm Goretti yesterday.
Above the sound of swaying branches, and wind rattling the Blackthorn and whistling past my ears, there is some dawn chorus to be heard. Robin, Dunnock, and Wren call out whilst hunkered down in the scrub. The Wren makes a brief appearance, a tiny bird moving its wings so quickly, they beat like that of a Hummingbird Hawkmoth in the low light.
It dives into the hedge now mostly bereft of leaves, excepting the few evergreen species: thorny shoots of Bramble, Ivy clinging to the thicker stems, and the intertwining Honeysuckle showing fresh growth. Old Man’s Beard smothers everything from above, and displays an abundance of fluffy white ‘beards’.
Out in the meadows two Roe Deer are startled as I appear through a gate. Ears pricked up, they scatter. Leaping through the sward and then bounding over a dry stone wall. White bums following behind. A small flock of Thrush are also taken by surprise, and take flight over the scrub.
It begins to spit with rain as I return back to the office. Looking upto the sky, I hear a Raven ‘cronk’, and watch the Woodpigeons racing overhead. Two Magpie are spotted with their long pointed tails flowing behind.
Outside the office window, a Blue Tit disappears into an old bollard. Similarly one was spotted exploring the nestbox earlier in the week, evidentially scouting out potential nesting locations for spring.