As the morning began a shaft of glorious red and pink light glowed below the clouds bathing Durlston in a wonderful light, this however soon disappeared as the grey clouds rolled down covering the sky.
Off down to the cliffs where the Guillemots were again squeezed onto the main breeding ledge, these black and white birds checking the area after their summer at sea.
As I admired them through the binoculars a grey bird flew by, this Peregrine Falcon zoomed at speed westwards, its slate coloured feathers shining as it went. This powerful bird has such a distinctive shape as it flies and again when it perches.
Flitting overhead was a charm of Goldfinches, the tinkling call bringing them to my attention, as they moved the golden wing stripes caught the light.
From the Lighthouse area the loud ‘yaffle’ call of a Green Woodpecker brought my attention to the undulating flight of this green and yellow bird, which then landed in amongst the rough hummocks of Tor Grass.
Hovering above the herd of Hereford Cattle was a female Kestrel, her mottled brown back showing as I sat looking down on her amazing movements. The ability to keep the head perfectly still as the tail, wings and body vibrate never ceases to amaze me.
As I watched the Kestrel the deep throated croaky call of a Raven occupied the air space, the large black bird hung in the air, showing the characteristic features of wedge shaped tail and long wings with long fingers making it very easy to recognise.
Browsing on the remaining leaves of the Blackthorn was a Roe Deer, the dull brown pelage making it almost disappear amongst the backdrop, it was only the movement of the bush as it pulled the branches that made me notice our largest resident wild mammal.
Last night in the darkness the crashing of a Badger as it trundled through the scrub was heard, as I waited the black and white striped head popped out from a well walked path, nose twitching before continuing on its way.