A glorious sunny morning greets me as I arrive at the park, a Jay dashes across the road in front of my car, the brightly covered plumage showing up nicely in the morning light. Heading down towards the dell the continuous song of Robins floats up from down in the dell, interspersed with the occasional Great Tit.
Walking along the cliffs top a Peregrine Falcon zooms past heading round the corner in Durlston bay, before turning around and coming back over my head and down towards Tilly Whim. Along the edge of the path Three Cornered Leeks can be seen in flower.
On the water a large raft of Guillemots bob about unfazed by the unsettled water below them. Above Fulmars gracefully swoop in and out of the cliffs occasionally dropping their legs to brace themselves against the wind. A Shag comes to land on a ledge halfway up the cliff.
Further round I look back to see a crowded Guillemot ledge, though they seem to be keeping the arguments for space to a minimum today. Sitting on edge of the cliff above the Tilly Whim ledge I spot a Kestrel. It appears to have something in its claws, as I turns, I can make out what’s left of some small unfortunate rodent. It continues eating its breakfast as I watch, ripping bits of with its sharp beak. From this view point I get a great view of its beautiful striped markings. The feathers on its back a hazel brown colour with darker brown stripes.
Heading up the steep slope past the mile markers, a Raven can be heard calling from within a Holm Oak. Bursting from the tree to fly towards the cliffs and out of sight. Above the road at the top of the hill Early Purple Orchid and Cowslips can be seen in full bloom.
Heading through to Saxon meadow I pass through hay rake quar to see some Early Spider Orchids. Through the gate to south field where I spot a Wheatear perched atop an Ash still bare of leaves, making the bird standout.