‘Yuk’ could have been my description of the early patrol, except for the fact I was lucky enough to be walking at Durlston National Nature Reserve!
The early promise of a tiny slither of red sun, seen through a break in the cloud was soon squashed as more thick greyness rolled in erasing the light. I was however able to see a glorious white winged Gannet gliding past the cliffs during this short interlude.
A look at the hedgerows around the meadows to check on the ones proposed for cut-backs, lots of mud as the ground is sodden through rain and the effects of the geological limestone and clay layers.
Within the prickly mass of Blackthorn and Bramble a Dunnock was hopping between the lower-most branches, while a Robin perched on the outside showing off its red breast, a wren blasted forth a short blast of song and a Song Thrush was standing on the top.
As the rain got heavier a bit of shelter was sought in the woods, and a chance to record the recent tumbles of the land on the edge of Durlston Bay. One more small Holm Oak gradually gliding its way down the mud, roots and all.
Looking up a Jay flapped as it passed, the white rump particularly noticeable as it continued, the blue wing feathers barely seen.
Also catching the eye was a white movement near the crown of an English Oak, on inspection a superb Treecreeper was climbing up the trunk, flitting down every now and then to start the climb again, hopefully it was being successful in finding some breakfast.
Nearby a small group of Goldcrests called noisily from the Beech tree, while both Great and Blue Tits moved through the tiny twigs of an Elm.
The large oval berries of the exotic Cherry Laurel are now turning from green to red, while the Japanese and European Spindle both still have some of their pink berries to spot.