What a lovely morning for an early patrol, the sunshine twinkling on the blue sea.
The first bird I saw on the water was a Puffin, a white face attached to a bright orange triangular beak and small black body. This tiny bird was in amongst the black and white Guillemots which were flapping and turning, bathing as they bobbed, a few more still sitting on the upper ledge.
Passing by, 1 above the horizon the other below were 2 Gannets, glorious white wings with black tips, both just close enough in see their yellowish heads.
Along the coast path fluttering and sunbathing were Lulworth Skippers, their dull brown colour catching the light as they moved amongst the tall Tor Grass. Meadow Browns and an Adonis Blue female also basking.
Masses of flowers to admire including the tall purple Common Mallow, the low growing Restharrow, Wild Thyme and Horseshoe Vetch. Also Yarrow, Hedge Bedstraw, Centuary, Yellowwort and Honeysuckle to find.
The pale lilac flowers of the Stinking Iris abundant while a recent finding has been or the rare albino variety. A few other rarities in flower include Nit Grass and Yellow Vetchling.
Up the path between the Gorse a sort of buzzing sound indicated young birds, as they flew over their long tails making these baby Dartford Warblers very easy it identify. As I watched 4 were counted including a slightly tatty adult, whose reddish front and blue grey back were looking quite worn and at least 2 young.
Young Common Whitethroats, Linnets and Great Tits also spotted while on the Blackthorn a Yellowhammer perched.
Over Durlston Bay what looked like a young Buzzard soared.