This morning has been a rather soggy start to the year. As I write I sit in my chainsaw brace and bib as my trousers are saturated! The pages of my notebook have had to been cautiously peeled apart.
Nevertheless it has been an interesting morning. Unusually, I saw a Kestrel on the castle approaches. It flew in via the castle car park margins then took several perches upon branches overhanging the tarmac! Of course Grey Squirrels scurried up and down tree trunks and pounced through branch tips, although one less energetic or sensible specimen took advantage of the Castle bird feeder’s offerings. Standing near caravan terrace I heard a Tawny Owl calling from the depth of the aviaries undercliff then swiftly a Jay flashed passed perching below the bridge with a squalling call.
Durlston Bay had rolling waves and white water upon the shore and off both Peveril Point and Durlston Head. The urban coastline was hidden in the mist whilst two ships were picked thanks to their illuminations. It was off Durlston Head that I began to see the Gannets flying west close to shore low over the waves. I counted some eight Gannets but I am certain there were more out there. Eight darker birds flew ahead of a pair of Gannets, perhaps Scoter or Brent Geese? I was surprised to see two Shag upon the rough waters off Tilly Whim but the appearance of a passing Peregrine Falcon was perhaps what one would expect!
Durlston is fantastic for its accessible sea views and today I was rewarded by seeing the blow hole in action at the Gully Mouth. Plenty of sea spray and foam accompanied this natural spectacle as the sea clashed with the land. As I headed up the diagonal path a stream flowed downward. I was rewarded with the company of Robins, Great Tits, Blue Tits and Blackbirds as I passed through the woodland and scrub cover. Amongst the felled Holm Oak branches I saw a Goldcrest hoping between its branches and the Bramble. Then as admire Con’s hedge laying from the bird hide two Chaffinches perched in a Willow yet to be laid.