Sunrise at Durlston
Red-gold light filters through clouds
Nature awakens
Despite being covered, the sun put on an excellent show this morning, its rays diffused over the sea in an impressive display that was warming both to feel and to observe. After taking in the scene we crossed the car park, which was alive with birdsong. A group of Goldfinches were in a Hawthorn to our right, with a Blue Tit to our left and Chaffinches ahead. As we continued we spotted a pair of Green Woodpeckers darting over the meadow, their call resonating as they flew.
We headed across long meadow, George Burt’s water tower a clear landmark visible over the hedges. As we walked a Jay flittered past, and we continued to enjoy the calls of more Chaffinches. Passing through the gate at the end of long meadow we noted a trio of Long Tailed Tits in the branches above, nimbly leaping through the canopy overhead.
We continued down Solent Road to the woodland, where I was introduced to the delightful smell of the Stinking Iris plant. Further along the track were patches of Winter Heliotrope, unfortunately not currently in flower despite being in season. Yet another plant introduced in the Victorian planting regime, much like a neighbouring patch of Bamboo. These are both species that we keep an eye on to ensure they don't overwhelm the area. Next to the Burt Egyptian seat we were greeted with the sound of a Greater Spotted Woodpecker diligently tapping away, out of sight but not out of earshot. Continuing past the all-weather seating we spotted a single Blackbird perched atop it.
Doubling back through the woodlands we headed to the coast path, where a tiny sliver of blue sky was visible between a gap in the clouds. We paused for a moment to study a bird diving repeatedly beneath the waves. When it finally stayed above the water for longer than a few seconds we identified it as a Shag. Continuing on a Gannet flew past the cliffs. We stopped to admire a floating raft of seabirds, a mixture of Guillemots and a dozen or so Razorbills interspersed. These birds can be distinguished by the shape of the beak, as well as the colouration of the back: the Guillemot being a chocolate brown, the Razorbill more of a black.