Bullfinches the star of the show at the start of my wander around Durlston National Nature Reserve, the sound of them calling was coming from both the bushes and from the air.
As I looked towards the patch of lichen covered Hawthorn scrub bright the pink blobs dotted along it were the male Bullfinches, 3 seen as were 2 duller pink females. As they turned around on their branches I was able to see the grey backs of these wonderful birds.
On the ground under the Blackthorn hedgeline was a Dunnock skulking in the fallen leaves and dead twigs while a little higher producing a loud penetrating trill was a Wren, whose bright yellowish white eye-stripe showing brightly.
As I walked along the top of the gully Meadow Pipits were flying overhead and another flock landed in the short grass amongst the Hereford Cattle herd.
The ginger fur of the Cattle was highlighted by the golden hue of another fantastic sunrise, a wonderful sight as they graze.
The large grey blobs of Wood Pigeons were perched on the branches of Sycamore, Ash, Holly and Hawthorn an occasional coo being emitted. A sudden eruption broke the gentle silence as 10 of them took to the wing a loud clap as their wings flapped.
Down to the coast where the sound of growling and gargling was rising from the cliff ledges, here a group of 100+ Guillemots was packed tightly together on what will be their breeding ledge. Scanning the incumbent flock most appeared to be in full breeding plumage, with dark feathers replacing the white of the non-breeding autumn plumage.
Across the meadow the gorgeous light caught the head of a male Pheasant, the colours quite vivid as it strutted across the grass.
A Rabbit bounded away as I returned to the car park area, its white tail bobbing as it loped. Last night under a superb starry sky a Badger was heard snuffling in the soft earth, then seen as it scuttled off.