The sun is shining, the birds are singing and the air is fresh. The perfectly circular moon was shining through the trees and as the sun rose the woodland streamed with a pink hue. Admiring the shapes of the Privet branches, the gnarly branches created arches, curves and right angles.
Great-tits were calling out from all around, their lovely song calming compared to the incredibly noisy Magpies high in the Holm Oaks. The sea is peacefully calm as a Shag glided across Durlston Bay. Out to sea the low cloud is rolling towards the shore. A lovely sight of a Goldcrest darting around the trees, such a tiny and very beautiful bird with it’s glorious gold tiara. The fluffy tails of 2 Grey Squirrels weaved their way through the dead hedge.
The sky was turning pinker by the second as the sun burst out from behind the low cloud, making a red outline and sending a beam of golden light across the ocean. On the water 100+ Guillemots bobbed and gargled, filling the air with their lovely happy sound. Close to the cliffs an Oyster Catcher flew low to the water, it’s distinctive black and white markings showing beautifully as it glided along.
Jackdaws filled the Tamarisk trees and with a flurry of activity the Peregrine Falcon shot past, to then go on a hunting mission along the cliffs. Flying from a ledge across the top of the cliffs then diving down, to reappear back on the ledge a moment later, a process that I was in awe of as it continued the routine. I hope it found it’s prey in the end.
The gentle coo of a Rock Dove put back the calm to the morning after the excitement of the Peregrine. A few more Shags joined the water activity and a Greater Black-backed Gull flew parallel to the top of the cliff. Another sighting of a Goldcrest darting quickly around the woodland trail as Sparrow and Wren waved through the low Brambles. What a phenomenal way to start a new year!