A continuous squeaking call draws my attention as I walk along the coast path this morning. Squeak, squeak, squeak. My intrigue gets the better of me and I hop over the wall, through the patches of Cocksfoot Grass and to the very edge of the cliff overlooking the bay. Squeak, squeak. I spot the culprit - catching a glimpse of two Sparrowhawks flapping in the canopy of Holm Oaks. Their barred tail feathers flashing upwards, before diving deep into the undercliff wood.
Directly below me, a Red Admiral butterfly dances around the browning purple heads of Buddleia, undeterred by a brief downpour of misty rain. Durlston bay is calm but dull, with only the horizon illuminated, and the Isle of Wight hidden from sight.
On my way up the coast path, I unwittingly sneak up upon a Squirrel, hidden byehind a cluster of Enchanters Nightshade, Privet, and towering bouquets of Ragwort. Inside his mouth he’s carrying something almost as big as his head...
He spots me, and scurries off into the undergrowth. Ah, it was a plum fallen from the tree above. A healthier choice than the squirrel I heard about the other day – papped running across the car park with a stack of four chocolate waffle cones!
I make my way down to the Observation Point where I am pleased to see a Peregrine preening its feathers atop one the usual perches on the sea cliffs. The waves break gently against the rocks below me, where seven Shags can be seen soaking up the sunlight through a break in the cloud.
At Tilly Whim, a group of runners have stopped to peer over the dry stone wall having spotted an Atlantic Grey Seal swimming below the ledges. A juvenile Rock Pipit squawks repeatedly closeby. He bumps his tail up and down, whilst occasionally picking for insects from the floret of some Wild Carrot.
The seal doesn’t reappear, but I enjoy watching the Rock Pipit nonetheless. Our volunteer bird ringers were in this morning, catching a Lesser Whitethroat and a Blackcap amongst the usual crowd; Willow Warblers, Whitethroats, and Garden Warblers.