Trip reports

Durlston Country Park

Sunday, 22 April 2007

We explored the delights of Durlston on a lovely sunny morning. A few common birds singing around the information centre were joined by a vocal lesser whitethroat, of which more anon.
The leader being keen on wildflowers, we went in search of spider orchids - a small number of which were located in the 'top fields'. At one stage all that could be seen was a row of bottoms as the keen photographers got down to business with these lovely orchids.
Heading towards the boundary of the country park, an early swift was spotted. A fleeting view of a redstart and a similar view of a Dartford warbler followed. Heading back for lunch via the lighthouse and Tilly Whim Caves, guillemot and razorbill were on the sea, but not much else.
Late afternoon we drove (rather than a long return walk) to Dancing Ledges. The entrance road is difficult to locate, and because the leader misdirected two members of the group, they spotted the only wheatear of the day at close quarters. Walking down to the ledges more lesser whitethroats were heard along with linnet, kestrel and at least two tree pipits. There must have been a fall of lesser whitethroats because about a dozen were heard or seen during the day. We then went to a well known unofficial puffin viewpoint only to find none about - for the first time in four years. More spider and early purple orchids were located. All in all, a very enjoyable trip, but fewer birds than usual.