Within a minute of leaving the workbase, walking across the car park toward the castle, I see 2 Whitethroat chasing one another from perch to perch, calling loudly as they went. Then, from another area of vegetation, out of sight, but within earshot, was a Blackcap calling. Moving down toward the Diagonal Path and a Speckled Wood rose from the side, fluttered and dropped back down again. Passing over, landing on some Holm Oak were 4 Goldfinch, busily chatting to each other.
In the Goat Plot a singular Roe Deer was browsing the grasses, raising its head with ears pricked for anything untoward. Then 2 Feral Pigeons fleeted past, wings tucked back, descending over the cliffs, the air rushing past them sounding like wind passing through a parachute, very distinctive. This sound spooked the deer and it pranced across the long grass and out over the wall onto the Lighthouse Green. Descending the path a Raven passed over, almost colliding with a Goldfinch. The Raven and the Goldfinch then got into a little altercation before both continued their journey, each losing a little bit of pride!
Out to sea and the fishing boats are now all heading toward Dancing Ledge for the Black Bream season. This area of the UK coast is known for some fantastic specimens and is a very popular location, hence the succession of 5 boats. In a few weeks I too shall be joining some other Rangers for an evening trip to those banks, hoping to catch a good fish!
The bird ringers were on the park this morning and Grillo, Mick and the team watched a Honey Buzzard pass over as well as a Sparrowhawk with a small unfortunate bird in its bill. A Bullfinch and Sedge Warbler were also seen as well as 3 Gannet out to sea. Resident artist Rolf Williams heard a Garden Warbler at the back of the Downs. And if this wasn’t enough, Hamish Murray just popped into the office with a big smile on his face and a report of a Black Kite passing over the car park! If you are coming to the Durlston today, please keep us posted with any other interesting finds!