An eerie start to the morning with a low mist across the sea and the sun blasting a golden ring onto the water. From the water the loud sound of Guillemots growling wafted upwards, adding to the hundreds squeezed onto the breeding ledges – the first eggs expected within the next few days.
As I looked for Dolphins – which were reported yesterday – I met a local resident out looking, having already seen 6 Dolphins swimming across Durlston Bay at 6.40am – a definite bonus for getting up early!
From the gully the song of a Black Redstart, could be heard, and the small dark grey bird was spotted perched on the mass of white blossom.
Scanning around with my binoculars, I came across a Roe Deer lying on the ground, from a distance at a glance well camouflaged against the grass, as I watched another two wandered into view, again blending into the background, none of these 3 with antlers.
A flock of Linnets flitting and calling from the bright yellow Gorse while the repetitive sound of a Chiffchaff added to the tunes to be heard. The most powerful was probably the Skylarks, 8 counted across the downs and Cowslip carpeted fields.
My highlight however was probably a Common Whitethroat which was proclaiming its territory, but perching at the top of some dead branches on an Elder, the scratchy song quite distinctive and different from all the others. As it sung it rose and spread its wings and tail before dropping back down again. Great to see that these birds are returning from their winter in Africa.
Many Early Spider Orchids to be spotted, mostly fairly short, but numerous, while the other two spring orchids Early Purple and Green Veined are just appearing as the Hairy Voilets start to fade.
A Red Admiral butterfly was basking on the dry-stone wall, Lesser Bloody-nosed Beetles in amongst the short turf and Mining Bees emerging from the bare ground, leaving behind a small pile of fine earth and a hole!