It’s a very wet day to be returning to work after a sunny week in Gran Canaria. 9.0mm of rain fell onto Durlston overnight, bringing the total for 2026 to 294.6mm! We usually average around 100mm in January and 75mm in February, so over double the average rainfall so far this year.
Clad in full waterproofs, over multiple layers for warmth, I head out along the coastal path to the occasional warble from a Blackbird and chirping Great Tit, but most birds seem be hunkered down amongst the scrub.
Life has began to appear with the days drawing out despite how dull and dark it feels this morning. Fresh leaves of Nettles, and the arrow-shaped Wild Arum have appeared. There’s new growth upon the Fuchsia by the Castle, and Red Valerian sprouts from the old stone walls.
I reach Durlston Head after checking upon some recent scrub clearance work and dry stone wall repairs. The westerly winds pick up as I round the corner and leave the sheltering Holm Oaks. I almost turn back, but figure at least the cliffs will have some birds to see.
I follow the Tamarisk lined path, past the Badger sett, and on up to the observation point. Here I am exposed to the full wrath of the wind. It picks up waves across the messy sea; they break as they flow into the cliffs and erupt into a fury of whitewater.
Fulmars and Guillemots whip around at speed, the former persist in their usual looping flight to and from the cliffs, whilst the Guillemots beat their wings as fast as they can to maintain control of their flight as they flow from the ledge. A few more raft on the water.
Shags are seen at great heights, lifted from their usual low flights, by their lofty wings. Herring Gulls on patrol. I shelter in the dolphin watch hut, and hear the repetitive screeching call of Peregrine Falcon nearby.
On my return up the hill it’s pleasant to see a couple Goldcrests disappear into the thicket of Ivy, along with three or four Chaffinch gathered in a Hawthorn.