What a wonderful morning, a gentle wind causing the sea to ripple and the newly formed leaves to flitter.
Hovering above the Globe was a Kestrel, the striking grey head and chestnut back seen as it swooped down onto the area of earth that was cleared of scrub during the winter. As this bird rose again a Carrion Crow chased it across the sky.
From the water came the cackling of Fulmars as 4 of these albatross relatives bobbed close together, another 2 were in flight. Nearby 6 Razorbills swam amongst 80 or so Guillemots, their jet black backs contrasting with the chocolate of the Guillemots, but it was the delicate white stripes on their stubby beaks which caught the eye through binoculars this morning.
Near the gully I spent a few moments watching the antics of some Goldfinches as they hopped up the grassy bank, flashing gold, red and white, following them was chunkier Chaffinch, these two birds then had a squabble wit the larger Chaffinch seeming to win, the Goldfinch sent further away.
Whilst watching the action I was able to listen to the sounds of Bullfinches, Great Tits, Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers and Common Whitethroats, plus Dunnock, Blue Tits and Wren.
Wandering back along the edge of the meadow, the carpet of Cowslips is looking fantastic, while across the reserve a scattering of Early Spider Orchids and a few Green-winged Orchids are showing.
Basking on a bare rock face was a Wall Brown, the almost orange wings broken up by the beautiful black patterning on this butterfly.
More flowers spotted as I admired this insect, including Salad Burnet, Chalk Milkwort and Hairy Violet, while nearby the blossom of both Wild Apple and Wild Pear covers the trees.
Bounded away from me approach were two Roe Deer, the male displaying its velvet covered antlers.
9.30am: Bottlenose Dolphins seen off Durlston Head.