Another bitterly cold morning, with a few flurries of snow whirling through the air as I arrive at work.
One of my favourite winter sights on the edge of the Car Parks as an eye-poppingly crimson Bullfinch darts among the barren black branches of a Blackthorn – his flat whistle audible from yards away in the still, cold air.
Dunnocks flurry through the leaf litter along the base of the hedgerows, as families of Long-tailed Tits work their way between tangles of Bramble and silver-flowered Old Man’s Beard as they hunt for breakfast.
Ravens are very active above the woodland once again, as they prepare for breeding season, with a Green Woodpecker bobbing across Long Meadow and a Kestrel hanging poised in the air above Durlston Head, with just an occasional flick of the wings and tail as she hovers.
Along the cliffs, a raft of 12 Razorbills bob on the grey sea, with Guillemots once again rushing in and out along with a few circling Fulmars and Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull and Shag.
Further out to sea, Brent Goose and Gannet are also on their way through.
A few Rock Pipits skitter along the clifftop, with Blue Tit, Great Tit and Chaffinch among the bright yellow flowering Gorse.
A Great Spotted Woodpecker perches on the stem of a Sycamore near the Aviaries, while on rotting logs and live trees a variety of fungi can be found, including King Alfred’s Cakes, Jelly Ear, Many-zoned Polypore, Dead Man’s Fingers and Candlesnuff Fungus to name just a few.