Under the grey skies of the last day of March, the gorgeous sound of birdsong accompanies my patrol around the National Nature Reserve.
A Blackbird perched on the top of the Ash tree, accompanied the Song Thrush on the nearby Hawthorn, both singing forcefully. From lower in the shrub layer the weaker tune of a Dunnock plus the blasting burst from a Wren.
A flock of Goldfinches were tinkling away in the tops of the Apple – the leaves of which are just bursting open.
The noisy chitter of the Blue Tits and the churr of the Great Tit added to the soundscape, while Carrion Crow and Magpie both squawked.
As I headed westwards, a superb – if short - Early Spider Orchid was spotted, the furry brown flower surrounded by pale green sepals and leaves, another few of these extraordinary plants appeared as I looked.
Alongside, standing on the top of a beautifully blossom covered Blackthorn was a Stonechat, the orange chest and black head showing well, as it ‘chatted’.
A scattering of Hairy Violets across the downland slopes, where a Chiffchaff was calling from a Bramble patch, while along the ridge a great view of a Cirl Bunting. The yellow collar and stripey face markings catching my attention.
In the meadows a small group of False Oxlips, their stems taller and fatter than Primrose or Cowslip, and a couple of them a pinkish colour rather than yellow. Nearby both Primroses and Cowslips are in flower.
Down on the cliffs the ledges are full of Guillemots, as they prepare for the busy breeding season ahead, constant activity as they jostle for position and territory – watch them on the screen on Durlston Castle.