A dry, grey start to the day, but good to be out and about, despite a chilly south-westerly breeze.
Along the cliffs, a few Fulmars cut effortlessly through the breeze, whirling in dizzying arcs on stiff wings. Below them, a noisy bazaar of Guillemots, along with a few Razorbills cackle and flap as they bob on the water below, with many more crammed onto the ledges as they revisit the cliffs, taking a break from their winter at sea.
Further out, a gleaming white Gannet traces the divide between a steely sea and sky, with the bright orange beak and smart black and white plumage of an Oystercatcher catching my eye as it crosses Durlston Bay.
On a rocky outcrop below the Observation Point, a Peregrine Falcon swivels her head to scan for prey, her body motionless and perfectly camouflages against the grey of the cliffs.
At Tilly Whim, a patch of Gorse, hugging the clifftop is covered in bright yellow flowers, brightening up the clifftop.
Turning inland, a pair of Rabbits, grazing on the short turf near the Lighthouse Bridge panic as I approach, heading off up the hill at top speed in parallel, then criss-crossing paths, almost colliding once or twice!
A Kestrel hangs above the Gully, gently levering his wings and tail to remain perfectly balanced on the breeze.
A Dunnock scuffles through the litter at the base of a Gorse bush, with Robins, Wrens, Blackbird, Great Tit and Long-tailed Tits among the scrub as I make my way up the Lighthouse Field.
2 Goldcrests squeak from among the branches of a Black Pine in the Car Parks, as they pick among the needles for insects.7.1
Lots of Badger scuffs along the woodchip path between the Castle and Learning Centre, where they have been foraging for food, with a Roe Deer, frozen like a statue at the top of Goat Plot.