The thick fog was encasing Durlston as I walked around this morning, the sound of fog horns booming up from the ships at sea.
Getting under the fog along the clifftop path allowed me to see the seabirds, this included some fantastic views of Fulmars as they circulated in and out, almost skimming the rock face with their wings before a twitch of the feathers and they scooted back out, just love watching these birds.
Down on the water a group of black and white blobs bobbing up and down, on closer inspection this clump consisted of 9 chocolate brown and white Guillemots and 4 jet black Razorbills. The sounds of the Razorbills as they growled at each other and tapped bills was easily heard, especially in the foggy heavy conditions of this morning.
Flying along and then landing on the water was a Shag, the crest showing itself as it swam. A little leap and this bird then disappeared underwater to bob up again a few metres away.
A gaggle of Jackdaws acrobatically flying around the clifftops, about 60 of them tumbling and then as if on a signal they landed, just about 1 bird per hen capper of the stone wall.
Towards the woodland a flock of Long-tailed Tits were twittering amongst the stems of Bramble and Dogwood, both of which have leaves almost – but not quite - bursting out of the sheaths.
A few Willows are already showing off their grey soft furry ‘pussy willow’, while some of the Hazels are dangling their yellow catkins.
Floating across in front of me was a glorious coloured Jay, while hiding deep in the Holm Oak leaves was a Goldcrest – heard and not seen.
On the Old Man’s Beard a male Stonechat ‘chatted’ his orange chest one of the few bright spots of the morning.
Despite spending time on the coast path today, no sign of any Bottlenose Dolphins which were seen yesterday – so keep your eyes peeled and let us know of any sightings