Windy Durlston

A recent visit to Durlston Country Park.

With the weekend weather not looking too good we decided to give Sunday a go as this looked like the best day.

Arriving early at the park a lovely Fox greeted me at the driveway into the park.

Two swallows passed overhead has I walked up to the visitors centre and a Blackcap was sat in a small bush.

With the wind being strong we kept to the routes which gave us most shelter, several large flocks of small birds were flying around and overhead, these were Chaffinch, Goldfinch, Meadow pipits, Linnets with good numbers of Brambling and Siskin mixed in with them, also a group of about 20 Skylarks passed over.

In the small tree area we searched for Goldcrest and soon found about 10 birds busy feeding above our heads giving some fantastic views of this tiny bird.

A look out to sea produced several Gannets going passed their white wings showing up well against the dark blue sea, also a small flock of Common Scoter flew passed with a few Guillemots racing across the top of the waves. On the cliff we found a shag resting out of the wind.

The local Kestrel was making the most of the wind hanging in the sky without flapping for several minutes - how I wish I could do that!

Two Ravens flew passed at very close range again giving some fantastic views.

Next stop the local cafe for a well earned hot drink.

After lunch well headed out for the afternoon with the wind a little less than this morning we again took the coastal path. Looking down into one of the sheltered caves we found a Black Redstart sat out on a rock, you could see it flicking its stunning red tail as it waited for a meal.

Several gulls were seen which included Lesser black backed, Herring, and a couple of Great black backed with a few Kittiwakes flying passed further out at sea.

Walking through the trees again the Goldcrests were still busy feeding and a Tawny owl Hooted, also overhead a group of 10 Redwing calling as they went.

We spent the last half an hour sat looking out to sea and was rewarded with a fine Peregrine Falcon fly past at close range,

A fine example of not letting the weather conditions stop you from going out, the wildlife is still around sometimes you just have to work a little bit harder to find it a very rewarding day. DT