A thick fog accompanied my start of the patrol, form out of the bank of cloud emerged a Sparrowhawk, the speed catching me unawares as it sidled along the edge of the hedgerow, finally nipping up and over and disappearing back into the fog.
The main sound that could be heard was the seeping of a Greenfinch, which was perched on the top of one of the Hawthorns, just visible in the gloom.
Down in the woods the magnificent sound of a drumming Great Spotted Woodpecker, the vibrating of the dead branch allowing me to locate the bird eventually. As I peered through binoculars upwards towards the top of the Sycamore the red trousers of this male caught the attention, then the black and white markings followed by the red head.
From the depths of the patch of Cherry Laurel came the ticking of a Dunnock, while Wrens, Great Tits and Blue Tits were all fairly vocal.
Bounding up the many limbed Macrocarpa was a Grey Squirrel while flitting amongst the Bamboo was a small group of Long-tailed Tits, wobbling as they perched on the delicate flower heads.
Wafting along the path was the strong smell of a Fox, hopefully I avoided rubbing against the sprayed stems. Towards the cliffs where Guillemots again occupied the ledges with a further 72 on the water, but today just 2 Razorbills amongst them. The cackle of Fulmars as they sat together in a little cubby hole always adds interest to the walk.
Late Reports
09.15 : A group of 10 Dolphins reported off Durlston Head heading towards Swanage,
09.35 : Dolphins seen by Coastwatch at Peveril Point.