The deep throated croaking of Ravens rumbled through the remarkably still and quiet air, not a rustle from the twigs, nor and lapping of water against the rocks, just bird sounds to occupy my ears!
To the cliffs this morning where the growling of Razorbills was wafting up from the calm sea, 18 Razorbills bobbing, mostly in pair, sometimes tapping their bills together, which was also audible.
On the ledges Guillemots are closely packed, over 200 present today. Back at the office the images are live, so a chance to get some close-up views, and to spot a new position for one of the bridled birds. This will be the 30th year of Guillemot study here at Durlston.
Walking across the carpet of Danish Scurvy Grass was a Rock Pipit, other also about, and a number of displays taking place as they flutter upward, then float down again, singing all the while.
On a ledge below two Great Black-backed Gulls looked to be mating, the pink feet of one (the male I am assuming!) very noticeable as it stood on the black back of the female.
A chorus of Chaffinch and Greenfinch coming from the patches of Wild Clematis, Gorse and Blackthorn, with additional notes from Wren, Dunnock, Great Tit and Blue Tit.
As I admired this, Goldfinches landed on an Elder (whore leaves were just waiting to burst out into a mass of green) as they sung I was happy to enjoy their flashing colours as they never seem to sit still for long.
Across Durlston Bay flew a bird of prey, the long tail, brown markings, along with its flight pattern allowing easy identification of this Sparrowhawk. A little later the much more delicate and smaller sight of a Kestrel provided a contrast.
Hovering above a purple patch of Greater Periwinkle was a Bee-fly, great to watch as this triangular winged and furry bodied insect attempted to look for nectar, probing with its proboscis.
Grazing on the downs 3 Roe Deer, the males antlers showing well.