Upon arrival I was greeted with a report of seven Spoonbills having flown westward over the park. I was not to see them but did not doubt the gentleman with telephoto lens! A solo Swallow swooped over the car park whilst a Grey Squirrel sat upon the bin store fence. Ben had cut the verge “around the head” but the cuttings remained awaiting Monday’s Cub Scout work party. The first of a dozen Goldfinches flew over Durlston Bay. The tide was out with the Peveril Ledges exposed. I heard the din of jet skis, which I just made out near Old Harry. Otherwise the sea was calm. A vociferous Wren trilled near the castle. Again, a Peregrine Falcon was to be seen on the cliff top below the globe. The predator had chosen to perch facing inland for some reason. Jackdaws were active from cliff to castle wood. There was a strong, sweet scent either side of the observation point thanks to Ivy flowers. On the sea below sat a Shag, meanwhile Herring Gulls mewed in flight above it. With its white nape, the bird perched halfway up the shear cliff face was a Cormorant.
A Raven flew westward over the cliffs with something, possibly lichen, in its beak. Eventually, it perched on the lower mile marker to be followed by its calling mate. Every time a Goldfinch charm passed it appeared to have increased in size. I admired the work of Gerhert & Rosemary who had tidied up Tilly Whim stone bench. A half dozen Racing Pigeon sped past. The low tide meant the rock clinging seaweed was at times exposed, although reliably washed by the gentlest of waves. Upon the gully downland slopes there was to be seen scores of Goldfinches, Linnets and Meadow Pipits exploring the grassland and taking to flight. There was at least one pair of Stonechat, a male appropriately seen on top of Gorse. One, two and eventually three Carrion Crows perched upon the overhead wires. Earlier I saw a Crow evict a Jackdaw so to occupy the upper mile marker perch itself.
There was a curious large bird perched upon a Blackthorn and Bramble clump. Closer inspection revealed it to be a Cock Pheasant which had faded feathers and indeed was shedding them about its neck and head. With ease it stood and walked amongst this canopy of thorns.It was beside the demonstration quarr where Green Woodpecker emerged in calling flight from the grassland. Some Tamarisk still wore catkins, occasional Yarrow, Knapweed and Bristly Ox Tongue flowers were seen. A Bumble Bee flew whilst mating Beetles did not!