The sunshine shines as I drive into Durlston after a beautiful day yesterday, as I continue, I notice a Crow above with a large stick in its mouth – it’s that time of year where bird species are creating nests and getting ready to breed. Got to love the Spring!
I walk down towards the castle, past the small pillars and the castle in sight, a Jay is heard screeching away nearby, whilst a Goldcrest can be heard above in the Black Pine. To the right of me Primroses and Green Alkanet is spotted as Psithurism (the sound of wind between trees) can be heard with the fresh breeze. Further down, Great Tits are heard as well as a Blackcap, a Wren, and a Robin up in the Holm Oak.
Down at the Observation Point, the fresh wind becomes even more fresh as the cool air hits my face and hands. Guillemots and Razorbills are spotted down on the English Channel, whilst Fulmars can be seen gliding in and out of the cliffs. A Shag can be seen in flight heading east, whilst a Cormorant is spotted lower down closer to the water heading towards the cliffs, many a Herring Gull also glide close by to the cliffs, with many a Rock Pigeon and Jackdaw also being present.
Heading west on the clifftop path many Lords and Ladies are spotted with Stinking Iris with Tamarisk above. Looking down the cliffs, two Great Black-backed Gulls are chilling on the cliff rocks down below. However, further down I investigate the main Guillemot cave – no Guillemots are seen in here yet again, however I do see Guillemots flying towards the cave, likely utilising other bits of the cliff. As I’m about to move on, another Shag can be spotted down below Tilly Whim.
Taking the diagonal path with many patches of Gorse, Blackthorn and Hawthorn, a Great Tit can be heard whilst a Wood Pigeon is spotted. Also seen are Jackdaws, Raven on top off Holm Oak, and towards the top Goldfinches are heard above, Greenfinches close by, and more Blue Tits.
Moving further up the diagonal path I get into the woodlands Robins are heard above, another Wood Pigeon calls, Blue Tits everywhere, a Bumblebee in the distance (possibly a Buff-tailed Bumblebee), a Firecrest sings above me, as well as a Wren, Collard Dove and Great Tit.