Under the humid skies it was off down the to the cliffs this morning to see the seabirds. The water completely flat, barely a ripple and the Guillemots scattered across it. On one rock just above the water level was a group of Razorbills, as if having a convention within 10 standing upright, their dark suits easily recognisable.
Halfway up (or is it down) the cliffs were two grey and black spotted Great Black-backed Gull chicks, so well camouflaged into the rock face that it was only when they moved could I see them. A couple of Fulmars circling around as a Shag honked at another arrival.
Lots of flowers to enjoy including the ground covering Wild Thyme, with taller bright pink Centuary and vivid yellow Yellowwort. Some super examples of Wild Carrot, from those with small pink flower to the large white domes with dark red (almost black) centres).
Along the edges Hedge Bedstraw and the softer Lady’s Bedstraw, plus Field Bindweed, Common Mallow and Wood Sage.
In the woods I was surprised by the tiny pink flowers of Snowberry alongside the tall leaves of Stinking Iris now with the pale lilac flower alongside some large patches of Hart’s-tongue Fern.
A Roe Deer spotted as it bounded through the woodland, its rusty pelage flashing as it moved.
The middle of June is usually the height of the Guillemot fledging and last night was a superb example. The sounds drowning out all others, as the high pitched calls of the chicks were matched by the growling answer of the parent, as well as other adults. Watching from the cliffs in the gloom of dusk, the tiny black and white fluffy balls leapt off the ledge tumbling to the water where they met the adult and together swam off out to the west – the chicks not to return for 3 or more years. See the short video of last night’s jumping – www.durlston.co.uk
Arriving to look over Durlston Bay the difference was amazing, not a sound to be heard except for the faint lapping of water on the rocks.
The smell of Honeysuckle reeking through the air, while the other sounds of the night included some young Tawny Owls screeching loudly and the scuffling sound of Badgers, including a couple of cubs.