It was dark and chilly when I set out for this morning’s walk – a day to be wrapped up warm for sure! A light dusting of frost crunched beneath my boots, and from the hide I could see that the pond had begun to freeze over with ice. There’s not much chance of any birds stopping there for a drink today! Amongst the Blackthorn hedge I could hear the tweeting of a couple Blue Tits and a Great Tit waking up to the day.
The weather vane on the lighthouse points North, but I expect it hasn’t moved for a good week. Another day of calm on the park, which at this time of the day means not a movement goes unnoticed. The rustling of a busy Blackbird, the squeak of a nearby Wren and the wing beat of a passing Carrion crow.
I make my way down into the gully where it’s steep sides sheltered my ears even more. Silent, the dead heads of Burdock and Teasel stand still. A splash of colour from the orange berries of a Stinking Iris brightens the otherwise cold and dull ground.
At Tilly Whim a man rows past on a small boat. Two lobster pots in the front, and one in the back. He must have set out from Swanage before dawn, I wonder how far he plans to paddle?
Further along the cliffs, the ledges are bustling with activity. More than one hundred of ‘purbeck’s penguins’ the Guillemots, argue noisily for space. Every minute or so a few would leap from the cliff and excitedly flap their wings to gain lift as they flew out to sea.
All of a sudden the loud swoosh of a group of Woodpigeons soaring close overhead. Around 10 of them moving as a unit with such speed and agility. Right before I headed back I was lucky enough to spot a Peregrine Falcon soaring eastwards, with its wings outstretched and eyes on the look out for its breakfast no doubt!