It is cool with a brisk wind as I get out of my car, doesn’t feel like mid-May I thought to myself. As I walk through the car park, a Magpie, Robin and Wren are spotted. In the picnic area of Long Meadow Buttercup species and common Daisies are seen amongst the grass. Down the castle road Holm Oak, Sycamore and Black Pine cover above, with a Magpie calling in the Black Pine. To the left of me, Nettles, Cow Parsley, Three-cornered Leek, Green Alkanet, Garlic Mustard, Stinking Iris, and Lords and Ladies are spotted while a Firecrest sings away above.
On the clifftop trail I am greeted with Horsetail, down in the dell Buddleia, and other exotic plants like palm trees are seen as a Chiffchaff singing echoes away. Further down to the right of me Black Mustard, Hogweed and Bracken are seen as Goldfinches fly above me. Looking out past Durlston Bay and Old Harry dark clouds loom in, hiding Bournemouth and the Isle of Wight from view. As I walk on, I first hear then spot a Whitethroat on top of Brambles and next to some Tamarisk, then rain starts to fall as Herring Gulls and Thrift are seen at the edge of the cliff.
At the viewpoint, a Great black-backed Gull is seen flying amongst a Fulmar, Rock Pigeons and Jackdaws. On the sea, plenty of Guillemots are spotted, although no Razorbills could be seen from here. While looking at the Guillemots a Raven can be heard screeching around the cliffs as if to torment the Guillemots. Behind me a Wren, Wood Pigeon, and Robin can be heard singing away.
Heading back to the Learning Centre spotted were a few Razorbills, Shag, and House Martins, as well as Birds-foot Trefoil, Smooth Sow Thistle, and Horseshoe Vetch. Heading up the diagonal path a Stonechat can be heard and seen on top of European Gorse.
Also, later due to a slight emergency at the Castle I spotted a couple of Gannets flying between the turrets.
Have a great day.