My 11th trip to see the Puffins and more.

Saturday 25th June 2022.

A couple of 'photo-bombers' joining in our group photo at Durlston Head first thing this morning! From left to right, John Cronin, John Goodall, someone, someone else and my good self!

It was back to Durlstone Head in Dorset for our Annual pilgrimage to see the Puffins with both John Goodall and John Cronin. It was my 11th trip here to this wonderful place, but, alas, Mr Fisher could not make it today due to unforeseen circumstances. Yet again, the weather was a bit indifferent at first, but the sun eventually came out and it was a glorious day up until the last hour where we had a very light shower. It most certainly did not spoil our day, which personally produced three more ‘year-ticks’ and a superb variety of wildlife to look at, as well as brilliant company. 

Some scenic photos of the Jurassic coastline here at Durlston Head including the Tillywhim Caves (bottom photo).

I certainly realised at the end of the trip how unfit I was as my calf muscles were absolutely knackered and I am the youngest one of the trip! Whereas Mr Goodall is 71 years of age and Mr Cronin being 65, looked like ‘Spring Chickens’ when we arrived back into the reserve Car Park! I must have taken well over 60+ photos during our trip and for a change, instead of writing a chapter and verse about everything we saw, I am just going to let my photos do most of the talking. Enjoy.   

Above photos: My first Fulmar's of the year. These birds showed superbly on the cliffs , literally coming within feet from where we stood and showing off nicely in how to control the updraft of the wind on the cliffs.

Along with Guillemots, the Razorbills were showing extremely well along the cliffs and down below on the sea.

Above, a mixed flock of Guillemots and Razorbills and below, this Guillemot flew off the cliffs at Dancing Ledge.

Above and below, the star birds, the Puffins. Sadly, it looks as though there is only one pair left here at Durlston Head, but we did manage to see them within a few minutes after arriving at Dancing Ledge. Phew!

There were plenty of Gannets offshore (adults and sub-adults), though most were distant apart from the occasional flew that thankfully were worth a photo or two.

As expected, Shags were common along the cliffs as well as the sea with several juveniles seen today as well as plenty of adults.

Mediterranean Gulls have really increased in numbers here including this juvenile bird above. Below, adult birds on and over the sea. 

On our way back, we enjoyed a large mixed raft of seabirds probably feeding on small fish just below the water that also attracted a lot of Sandwich Terns (above) and a few Common Terns among them. Also, there were at least three Kittiwakes, including a smart juvenile; also plenty of Herring, Mediterranean & Black-headed Gulls present. Spectacular was an understatement.  

Great Black-backed Gulls nested close to the viewpoint.

Three species of raptor were seen on our trip today including this Common Buzzard which attracted the attention of an angry Herring Gull and a couple of Carrion Crows. As well as at least two Kestrels, also present were a pair of Peregrines, including a couple of their youngsters (below) that took a fancy in chasing a Pigeon over the sea. We think the Pigeon escaped, but only just. Though I took a few photos of the juvenile Peregrines, there was someone by the cliff edge with a long lens also taking photos of the same birds. However, I think we flushed the birds as they soon took off!  

Above, this Rock Pipit was walking so close to us, it virtually walked just inches from my foot while we were having our lunch at Dancing Ledge. Rock Pipits are common here and many male birds were still displaying around the cliff edges. Though not as numerous, Meadow Pipits were seen along our journey too. Below, this Rock Pipit showed well near the viewpoint.

Stonechats were, I am pleased to say, still abundant along the route, with many family flocks around the footpaths and always a joy to see. It was amazing to see the male birds literally hovering high above their perch, calling in doing so. 

And now away from birds, this Wall Lizard showed very well where we were having lunch at Dancing Ledge. Its a speedy little creature and ran from side of the small quarry to the other virtually in a split second!

Butterflies are always a feature to Durlston Head as we notched up at least 9 species were recorded including good numbers of Marbled White's (above). We were very surprised in not seeing one 'Blue' species on our trip here, nor any other 'White' species either. I was wondering whether the morning blustery onshore wind had something to do with it or simply they were not on the wing? However, two species of moth were seen including a Six-spotted Burnet Moth and a Silver Y. 

Six-spotted Burnet Moth nectaring on a Centaury plant.

Lulworth Skippers butterflies were abundant here at Durlston Head. Below, a male Lulworth Skipper.

Above, there was equally abundant number of Small Skippers present too. So many were seen dancing about your feet along the coastal footpath. Below, several Dingy Skippers were noted.

Above, a Speckled Wood butterfly was a bit of a suprise being right out in the open along the hill walk. Normally associated with woodland or near trees, this individual was nowhere near any trees! Below, one of our most delightful butterflies, the Dark-green Fritillary. Several were seen along the hill walk on the way back.

Above, a few Bloody-nose Beetles were encountered today and below, a Dark Bush-cricket nymph was found by the footpath. Its not just the birds that keep me searching for something of note as there were plenty of insects to keep me entertained.

Durlston Head is well-known for its variety of Orchids and though Pyramidal Orchid (below) was very common on the short grass, I only found two spikes of Bee Orchid (above).

The Johns. Messrs Cronin and Goodall embark on their umpteenth trip to Dulston Head. 

And so ended my 11th trip here to this beautiful place. Will our Puffins still be here next year. Lets hope so.

Such an enjoyable trip here at Durlston and I thought I would also add that we had sightings of Lesser Whitethroat, Common Whitethroat, Linnets, Yellowhammer, several Ravens and also my third ‘year-tick’ of the day, a pair of Manx Shearwaters flying low over the sea. Sadly, the boys failed to get onto the birds and there were no other sightings of this species either. We were hoping for some Dolphins to go through as there were reported sightings earlier this week, but none by us today. Never mind, we had a brilliant day and though the back of my legs are ‘barking’, it was well worth the pain and do it all again this time next year.