A bright and clear morning with a firm yet refreshing wind, a great wake up. In the woodland, the susurration of the Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) mimics the sound of the of sea as 3 Great Tits (Parus major) play in the hedge around the Turret viewpoint. Down on Caravan Terrace, a gentle stream of water trickles down the cliff face and the pale-yellow flowers of the Primroses (Primula vulgaris) begin to show and last year’s berries of St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) have turned a deep and satisfying black . A Long-Tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus) bounces through the scrub line.
Around Durlston Head, a Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola) stands confidently next to the path, fluttering off at the last second. 8 Jackdaws (Corvus monedula) dance and play in the wind above the cliffs while Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) float gracefully above them. Below, at least 25 Guillemots (Uria aalge) ride the waves like small boats and a Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis) speeds off out to sea. A group of Wood Pigeons (Columba palumbus) nosily rush past. Above the entrance to Tilly Whim, an Adder (Vipera berus) basks in the sun on a drystone wall, an incredible sight!
As the waves crash into the cliffs at Tilly Whim, low wispy clouds caught in the wind move at an impressive speed and a Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros) sneaks through the Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa).
Around the Gully, sheltered from the now quite strong winds, the air is full of the beautiful song of Blackbirds (Turdus merula). In the bright sunshine the new growth of Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) shines bright orange and gold, competing with the consistent luminous yellow flowers of the surrounding Gorse (Ulex europaeus). A spooked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) makes a cacophonous escape, a combination of frantic flaps and nervous clucks.