A fog hangs over the park, coming in thicker as the morning progresses, though the sun is trying to break through with not much success.
Having not been here for a week, it seems spring has really dug its heels in over the last seven days - Daffodils are in full bloom in the car park verges and Lesser Celandine has stuck flowers up in the short turf, though their petals are tightly furled, waiting for the sun to make an appearance. Speedwell adorned with tiny blue flowers is creeping its way along the edges of the path.
On Caravan Terrace a Wren chirps from the edge of the bridge, before disappearing down the other side. Primrose is in full bloom throughout the short turf, their pastel-yellow flowers brightening the dull morning.
Meeting a photographer between the Globe and the glass observation point, he shows a wonderful picture of a Roe Deer along the top of the cliff edge. We both commented how sure-footed they must be to balance on the thin path along the top of the cliff.
At the glass observation, two Fulmar are snuggled into the ledges, one above the other. A large loose raft of Guillemots bobs about on the water below, their ledge is also packed this morning.
Above the Gully a Kestrel hovers perfectly still, occasionally breaking to change position, its wings and tails working overtime to keep its body and head still. Up past the Lighthouse, a Skylark bursts from the grass, heading straight upwards, singing at the top of its lungs, before it disappears out of sight into the fog.
A second Kestrel makes an appearance, perched at the very top of a nearby tree, watching the other's progress. The original bird dives down but is unsuccessful in its hunt. Seeing this as a sign to stop, it joins the second in the tree, before that falcon then decides to give hunting a go.
Back up the hill, noticing Blackthorn is now covered in tiny flower buds waiting to flower any day now, and a Stonechat stands proud on a Bramble branch.
I’m informed when back at the Learning Centre that former Durlston Ranger Hamish has spotted and heard two Yellowhammers along the Lighthouse track this morning. Several volunteers and I also saw Red Kites hovering over the park yesterday, one above Long Meadow.