Conditions were looking good for Durlston’s contribution today towards the National Whale & Dolphin Watch Week today. Do join our Dolphin Watchers whom may be found on the cliff top near the Dolphin Watcher’s Shelter. Out at sea I saw the Condor Ferry heading for the Channel Islands, Pot Fishing Vessel PE1124 heading east and a multi hulled slop close to cliffs under sail and motor heading for Swanage.
Approaching Lighthouse I could hear the calls of a Peregrine Falcon. After crossing the green I saw initially one silent Peregrine glide east followed by a second specimen which had been the vocal one. A good dozen Herring Gulls with a couple of Great Black Back Gulls were riding cliff side thermals.
From the ridge I watched a Kestrel silently glide down the gully beneath both overhead lines only to turn then rise to land on the seaward most wire.
Upon the wares there was an abundance of Warblers and Thrushes. I believe I spotted Wood Warbler and possibly Willow Warbler. Easy to spot were the trio of chattering Goldfinches overhead and the pair of Meadow Pipits at rest. I was excited believing I had heard a Dartford Warbler, however, further inspection revealed it to have been a Whitethroat.
Approaching Lighthouse Bridge I spotted small apples in development whilst the bridge parapets had a Robin upon each side. As I walked up the coastal slope I was greeted by a quartet of Jackdaws and a dozen active Meadow Brown. A Thistle down drifted / tumbled past on the breeze. Approaching the gully pedestrian bridge I saw the first of my two then third small Thrushes. It appeared too early for Fieldfare.
Meanwhile a tractor was actively cutting hay in Ox Eye Meadow, which perhaps was why a Buzzard was hovering nearby. When meadow is cut Small Mammals a ripe for picking of by predators and the grass cover is reduced.
Gatekeepers and Speckled Wood were seen on the wing.