It's back at Durlston Head for Puffins.

Sunday 22nd June 2024.

One of the superb views from the viewpoint. A Fulmar gracefully sailing by the cliffs with Guillemots loafing on the sea below. Beautiful.

So, it was back to Dulston Head, near Swanage, for our annual trip to see the Puffins near Dancing Ledge and also take in the wealth of wildlife and scenery this magnificent place had to offer. However, apart from John Goodall and myself, there was a change of guys with us today that included John’s daughter, Louise, who kindly did the driving to and from today. Matt and Emma Parkes joined us today, of which we met them at Durlston Head. And what a day! The weather was near perfect with light winds, plenty of sunshine and occasional high clouds. The only downside today was that I got a very bad case of cramp at the top of my left leg, but hey, you have to ‘suffer for your art’ sometimes!

Above, a large raft of Guillemots and Razorbills were on the sea below the Viewpoint. Below, a pair of Ravens flew past the Viewpoint.

Above, one of the Ravens and below, the view from the Viewpoint. Stunning.

Above, Jackdaws were abundant along the cliffs. Five species of Corvid were seen here today.

I could easily write chapter and verse again but what we saw today and as I said to Emma, that I could easily just stand all day from one of the viewing areas looking down on the Auks and Fulmars. Just magical. So I am going to let my photos do most of the talking or it could be dark outside by the time I finish writing this. 

Above, there were plenty of interesting insects to look at including this Hairy Shieldbug. Below, Kestrels were seen throughout the day including this showy bird by the cliffs.

Above, the top of the Lighthouse shows just above all these Kidney Vetch flowers. Below, we have Emma, Matt, Louise and John making their way up on one of the many inclines along the coastal path.

Above, we believe we saw this Rock Pipit on both our journey there and back today. Meadow Pipits were abundant too with many displaying male birds seen. 

What I will say is that the local Peregrines performed superbly for us and put on a hunting display either chasing a group of Racing Pigeons high overhead or just sailing by the cliff edge close to where we stood. While having our lunch by the usual cove (where Lolo Williams sat with another birder on this year's Springwatch), we were lucky this time with a Puffin sitting on the sea and we only had to wait about 15 minutes for the bird to magically pop out of nowhere! Emma grabbed some amazing photos of the bird and mine, though distant, were not too bad either. We saw 39 species of birds on our trip here, two species of Orchid (my first Bee Orchid of the year and thousands of Pyramidal Orchids) among the throng of beautiful plants as far as the eye could see along the footpaths. We did have a good laugh at one local chaps pronunciation of Pyramidal which sounded like Piraemdial!!!! 

Above, Stonechats were still in good numbers here throughout our walk. This male stood out beautifully on the wall.

Above and below, this female Peregrine gave us a superb flypast by the cliffs.

Above, we found this Roe Deer grazing on one of the slopes and below, though a quiet day for 'Blue' butterflies, we found several Common Blue's around.

Of the Butterflies, sadly, there wasn't the greatest of variety this time round with just six species seen (we had 17 species on one trip here in the past!) though three of which were new for the year, Marbled White, Meadow Brown, Large Skipper and Lulworth Skipper plus Common Blue and Small Skipper. Two moths species were picked up also with singles of both Yellow Shell (new for the year) and a Silver Y. Sadly, no Hummingbird Hawk-moths today, a species we regularly seen here on previous trips. Other notable insects seen today included and completely unexpected was a Golden-ringed Dragonfly up on the walk back along the top fields. Yes, I have seen them in good numbers in the New Forest, but never have I seen one here. I know Norfolk Hawker dragonflies have expanded their range considerably, but a Golden-ringed here?

Above, both Soldier Beetles and a Nursery Spider share a Wild Carrot plant. Below, one of thousands of Pyramidal Orchids we encountered today.

Above, good numbers of Linnet were seen today here and below, one of several Large Skipper butterflies seen.

Above, I had to take a photograph of this Wild Carrot plant. I've never seen anything like it! Below, finally, our star bird, the Puffin. We dipped on seeing these last year and so to find one in just 15 minutes within the Cove where we had lunch, was terrific. It spent a good 20 minutes just sitting on the sea before flying off back to the cliffs.

Above, the infamous Face rock within the Cove! Below, the only Yellowhammer seen today, a fine male bird that showed very well as we climbed the 'Dreaded Hill'!

Above, one of the spectacular views at Durlston Head and below, I finally found my first Bee Orchid of the year which was growing in the top fields.

Above, a most unexpected find was this Golden-ringed Dragonfly. Annoyingly, it would not settle long enough for a decent photo, so a flight shot would have to do. Below, Guillemots resting on the cliff edge. 

Above, we even found a small group of Razorbills on the cliffs and below, an adult Shag having a good splash on the sea below the cliffs.

Above and below, just watching these beautiful Fulmars was scintillating.

Above, Matt found this Fulmar resting in the Cliffs and below, within the Durlston Centre, this deceased Death's-head Hawk-moth was on display with a Snake skin. I have yet to see a live Death's-head, but maybe one day?

I won't go on about my cramp I got while walking up the ‘dreaded hill’ near the Dancing Ledge, but that was sheer bloody agony and probably due to not drinking enough fluids on my walk. Yes, I had my fleece on mostly on the way to the Puffins and probably sweated buckets. So, lots of fluids next year I think! Once again, a fantastic trip here with fantastic sightings and the company I kept today were superb. We even finished off with an ice cream and cold drink by the restaurant, reflecting on a wonderful day.  

The 'star bird' today, the Puffin. Thankfully, this is one of six birds that is apparently present here at Durston Head.