The early patrol this morning was very quiet, with barely a sound from the wind, the sea or the birds. The highlight though was the squeaking sound coming from the Hawthorn bushes, as I looked the brilliant pink breast of a Bullfinch stared back at me. A small flock of 4 of these magnificent looking birds were searching for food amongst the branches of this prickly tree. As one took flight the white rump flashed and then as it perched the black and head and grey shoulders showed as did its small beak.
A little further along the hedgerow a couple of Fieldfares were occupying the uppermost parts of an Ash tree, another very smart looking bird, as they took flight their chuckling call could be heard.
The rays of the bright sunshine making birds as they fly silhouetted against them, with Dunnocks and Wrens just a shape until they land amongst the scrub, the Wren a much more distinguishable bird with the short tail and stubby body.
As I walked home after last night Friends of Durlston Christmas party, a Fox was trotting along ahead of me eventually scampering off into the fields, while coming up the path was a Badger, heard first as it was snuffling amongst the leaves, then again as it clipped its nails on the hard surface. The Badger only seen when almost alongside due to its black and white colouring.
Into the lighthouse field to check that the Cattle hadn’t escaped – they hadn’t – they were munching on the rough Tor Grass and dead heads of Wild Carrot. Floating above was a Kestrel, occasionally stopping to hover above a spot of particular interest.
As I turned towards the fields a tearing sound was coming from the sky, and a Peregrine was speeding across, the dark grey body with wings drawn back disappeared around the corner.
A Sparrowhawk was also seen as it swept along hugging the edge of the scrub in the gully on the look out for small birds to catch for breakfast.