Another still, quiet morning – the Park is a very peaceful place to be at this time of year, with the gentle whisper of the wind among the branches of Holm Oak, the sea murmuring gently below the cliffs and some bright notes of early birdsong.
A ‘charm’ of Goldfinches swirl along the top of the Lighthouse Field, brilliant crimson and gold on a dull morning, as the sweet notes of a Song Thrush ring out from the Large Copse. Long-tailed Tits twitter from the hedgerow alongside, with a rowdy flock of 20 or so Jackdaws circling the Small Copse.
Blue Tits, Great Tits and Robins are all in good voice, with a few rather hesitant notes from a Chaffinch – starting to ‘warm up’ his voice as we approach the beginning of the end of winter.
Jay, Pheasant, Raven and Green Woodpecker also heard this morning.
Around the downland, Meadow Pipit, Greenfinch and Bullfinch also seen, with a Kestrel hanging in the air above the Lighthouse.
Here and there, bright yellow Gorse flowers add a dash colour to a rather drab landscape.
In the woodland above Durlston Bay, Chiffchaff, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Goldcrest and Firecrest all seen, with a Treecreeper seen near the Aviaries.
Along the clifftop, Guillemots whiz in and out from the ledges on flickering wings, with a pair of Razorbills bobbing on the water below, as Shags, Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull circle above them.
Out at sea, Gannets and Brent Geese pass by in the distance.
The distinctive silhouette of a Pied Wagtail passing through overhead as I returned to the Learning Centre.