If you stand on the cliffs at Durlston or Portland or, indeed, anywhere along the Dorset sea cliffs in spring or summer you will often see a fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) circling on the breeze, stiff wings outstretched, rarely having to beat them. The fulmar is a master glider; it is a member of the albatross family and displays many of the family characteristics. Its main claim to fame, however, is its inclination to eject a foul, fishy smelling oily substance at anyone who annoys it. This 'foul mere' is where it gets its name.
After breeding the birds fly out to sea and are rarely seen in the autumn, that is October and November, but they return to their breeding locations in December to start the nesting cycle again.
Often seen in the company of gulls, it stands out amongst them because of the long, thin, gliding wings. It is quite common, although not numerous, along the Dorset coast and regularly breeds here along the Purbeck and Portland limestone cliffs. They are also reported from other coastal locations as they spread out in search of food.
Need fulmar for your Dorset list? No problem! Head to Durlston in spring or mid-summer and walk out to the viewpoint south of the Castle and within minutes you will see one gliding close to the cliffs.
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