Yesterday evening the Moon was amazing, lighting up the sea in a wide shaft of light, allowing a walk through the woods in what should have been complete darkness. The hooting call of a Tawny Owl was answered by another which was perched on the thick branch of a Willow, the moonlight allowing me the unusual chance of seeing this night-time bird, just before it flew off.
It was such a privilege and a pleasure to be able to go out of my door to enjoy a walk on Durlston National Nature Reserve, but not too long now until everyone can come and enjoy.
In bright sunlight the yellow flowering Gorse looking wonderful, stopping to sniff at the coconut scent, just avoiding being poked by the vicious spikes! Under some of these bushes the frost is still encasing the grass in a white frosting
The sound of bird song erupting from perches, with Robin, Song Thrush and Great Tit in full voice, Chaffinches and Dunnocks also blaring out across the meadows, while the occasional wheeze of a Greenfinch made my ears prick, scanning the bushes I discovered one on the branches of Elder. Also on this tree were some wonderful examples of the chocolate brown Jelly Ear fungus.
The ‘yaffle’ of a Green Woodpecker from the fields, its green and yellow colouring very vivid, as was the blues and greens of the Magpies which were squabbling on a Hawthorn bush.
A great view of a Skylark on the ground, it showing off a slightly raised crest, before taking flight and pouring out its song. At least 3 others also singing at the same time.
Along the cliffs a cackle from a Fulmar, as another passed by its crevice in the rocks, while from the packed main ledge Guillemots chuckling to each other. Down on the water 26 Razorbills were growling and the sound of them tapping beaks also heard – no wind or wave noise about.
A Raven croaking as it flew over, dwarfing the Jackdaws nearby.
Still some birds moving overhead with a couple of Grey and Pied Wagtails. While yesterday a Black Redstart was singing in the gully – not a sound I would recognise – need to learn that one.