Weather: Sun and clouds
I always enjoy entering Durlston’s woodland; the overload of green, the cacophony of birds, the rich scents. Today is no exception. I join the Victorian Trail from the coast path atop Durlston Bay. Crossing the bridge, the calls and songs float down from above, slowly distinguishing themselves into Great Tits, Chiffchaffs and Blue Tits; Black Birds, Robins and Woodpigeons. I spot a Crow and a Bullfinch in the canopy overhead.
I pass a blanket of snowy white Bluebells along the stream bank and look at the bright green leaves of the Ramsons just beginning to bloom. Cow Parsley grows tall above the leaf litter, its small white flowers looking like crocheted doilies. There are White-tailed Bumblebees whizzing before me, landing, but never for long. A Grey Squirrel moves sinuously long the tops of the dry stone walls.
Emerging along the diagonal path, I watch a lone Magpie atop a Hawthorn tree as it looks out to sea, the water a stunning matt blue, the waves a soft hush along the cliffs below. The wind suddenly changes and the joyous trill of Guillemots can be heard. I look over and see them nestles in their cave, a constant roil of movement with Razorbills nestled along beside. A Shag, black and sleek, rides the winds, just skimming over the water. Its progress marked by a single Great Black-backed Gull from the caves at Tilly Whim.
Climbing back along Lighthouse Field, I am passed by three cheeky Jackdaws walking by in tandem. Amongst the grasses, Daisies and Buttercups are always a delight to the eye. A closer look reveals little red and yellow buds of Birdsfoot Trefoil, blue-purple Milkwort blossoms, and fuzzy green Woodsage leaves, reminding me of garden Spearmint.
On my way back, I meet Catherine, out with her camera photographing the Park. Her shots are beautiful, artistic. This morning she has seen four Roe Deer grazing in Saxon Field. I pass the bird ringers, they have seen a Blackcap, Willow Warbler, several Whitethroats, a Song Thrush, and a Goldfinch. A very happy morning, indeed.
Diary written by Rosaline McGraffin