A spectacular start to the day, with the Park buffeted by strong south-westerly winds, gusting up to 60 mph earlier this morning.
The wind roars through the Holm Oaks, sending blizzards of leaves tumbling though the air and making even larger Sycamores sway and dance.Huge breakers roll into Durlston Bay, exploding into white foam as they tear across to crash onto the beach with plumes of spray.
‘Round the Head’, 3 Great Black-backed Gulls are battling the wind, with a Shag on the water below them, being thrown around by the waves.
Further out to sea, 7 Gannets passing, seeming to cut through the gusts on powerful black and white wings.
Guillemots are huddled on ledges, as they take a break from the storm.
Most other birds are keeping their head down, though in the shelter of the ‘Dell’, the sweet notes of a Song Thrush, ticks of a Wren, insistent song of a Robin and the chatter of Great Tits heard. Blue Tits and Long-tailed Tits also seen this morning.
On the Milepost slope, a Stonechat quickly pops out of a flowering Gorse bush as I pass, before very sensibly diving back into cover!
Primroses are in bloom on Caravan Terrace, with Daffodils at the front of the Castle, and the fresh leaves of Cow Parsley, Cleavers, Lords and Ladies and Red Valerian all starting to appear in the woodland.
If you are visiting today and don’t fancy braving the weather, why not come and have a look at our ‘Durlston Past’ exhibition, exploring the 20th century history of the Park, with visitors photos, recollections and objects. Our café is open as normal if you want to warm up after blowing the cobwebs away