It’s a sunny start at Durlston with last night’s raindrops still glistening upon the grass. It’s lovely to hear the Wren’s song as I arrive. The calling Chiffchaffs beckoning me down to Caravan Terrace, where Gulls circle above the gloomy bay.
Just Daisy and Buttercup line the central worn path, but diverse mix of flora is found to either side. There’s swathes of Wild Marjoram, and Wood Sage with Spit Bugs upon their stems, bulbous topped Ribwort Plantain, and twisted tendrils of Tufted Vetch. Germander Speedwell has taken place of the fading Primrose, with yet more purple displayed across a showing of blossoming Bugle.
Herb Robert is found amongst the shaded corners, between the abundance Nettle, Stinking Iris, and Enchanters Nightshade. Bracken and Willowherb rise up through the hedge, whilst Dogwood, Buddleia, and Dogrose emerge at the top.
Red Valerian and Cotoneaster grow from within the cracks of the rockface, with flowering Hawthorn, Gorse, and Blackthorn billowing over the top of the crag. The melancholic warbles from a Blackbird are heard, and Roe Buck wanders amongst the trees beyond.
I descend around the head and above the Durlstone rock. It’s soothing to hear the water roll around the rocks and tumble pebbles upon the shore. The bay now bathed in sunlight once again. The calm is broken by the loud call of a Greater Whitethroat. The bird crosses the path swooping between the Holm Oak and Tamarisk. A Black-headed Gull soaring overhead.
I continue to the Observation Point, pink Sea Thrift to my left, and yellow Charlock to my right. Guillemot trills are heard past the flights of Woodpigeon and Jackdaw. I spot a pair of passing Shag, and enjoy a fleeting sighting of a Peregrine Falcon too.