A Dolphins visit is a rare thing, each few and far between
Time’s not to squander
So take a wander
There’s so much more to be seen
I headed out through across the Car Park under a low hazy bank of cloud, covering about half the sky. The verges were beautifully decorated with Field Speedwell and Lesser Celandine, both adding an elegant splash of spring colour to the landscape. Robins and Chaffinches were their usual vocal selves, and amid their morning song I made my way to the Castle past a neat array of Primroses.
The Gallery was a buzz of activity, with lots of providers setting up for today’s Wedding Fair, showcasing Durlston as a spectacular location to tie the knot. I’ve been involved in a few weddings here, and I’d recommend it.
I traversed the Coast Path next, heading West to Anvil Point Lighthouse. I got a call over the radio from Rosie, informing me of a small group of Dolphins sighted off Peveril Point heading our way. I hugged the seas as I continued on, observing several small clusters of Razorbills floating on the gentle waves below. Also to be seen were the ever present Herring Gulls, a few Shags and a bright beaked Oystercatcher strutting along below the Tilly Whim Caves. It had something held tightly in its beak, presumably an Oyster. I also spied a Chiffchaff above the spot where the Adders usually bask, though none were out today.
I headed on past the Lighthouse, still nary a Dolphin in sight. I decided on the spot to head inland, no sense in waiting around for what might happen. Climbing up towards the Downlands I passed a lot of scrubby Blackthorn regrowth that will need cutting back before it properly establishes. I’ll add it to my mental job list. A Stonechat dived in to a thicket, which began resonating with its rich clacking call. Time to head back, it seemed to say.
A little later, down at the Castle I spotted a pair of Ravens circling over Durlston Bay, their deep “cronks” carrying over the breeze. Looming out of the mist in the distance was Old Harry Rocks, a natural wonder of geology. I make a point of admiring it every time I look. Just because you see something every day, doesn’t make it any less spectacular.