On my journey in it was a Jay that flew up from the approach road. There was a light, cold breeze, and beams of sunlight, like spokes of a wheel, pierced through the cloud to kiss the sea. The autumnal colours in the Elm and Dogwood leaves particularly caught my eye. The later held fading plum / purple leaves outside but behind them were yellow fading leaves. I set up seven Wood Pigeon from the Long Meadow path as searched hopefully for the sight of an Owl. It was not to be.
I left Long Meadow and walked through arch of Holm Oak where a Jay pass though overhead. From Rest & Admire Durlston Bay was calm. A Shag headed towards Peveril Point as the Ledges Buoy light winked. Below the view point the dry Sycamore leaf edges had curled upon the tree.
Mexican Daisies growing out of the castle entrance wall still held flowers. Near the Sea Chart a Magpie flew up and disappeared. Presumably returning to Swanage, were a dozen Racing Pigeon that sped by. From the observation point I spotted a linear raft of eleven Guillemots upon the sea. Some had more obvious winter plumage than others. Several others were seen flying low over the sea heading from the cliffs. Meanwhile, a Greater Black Backed Gull perched above their cave. Off Anvil Point a sloop headed east. Opposite the Dolphin Hut perched a Robin in Blackthorn. Looking along the coast path several Jackdaw perched upon the coastal dry stone wall cappers. Upon the sea a further two rafts each of five Guillemots were seen.
A Peregrine Falcon flew east off the cliffs and over the sea. Eventually, it was observed again perched at the cliff top near Durlston Head. Looing inland Gorse flowers were seen upon tally “leggy” steams of Gorse that appeared to wear wigs of needle growth. A Shag headed east low over the sea whilst a score of Jackdaw was about the coast path. A Kestrel was perched a quarter down on the ladder of the lower mile marker. It flew to the summit of the upper marker. Some time later I was to see it relocated by a Carrion Crow that stole the upslope perch. One dome like Wild Carrot flower head was seen beyond the wall above Tilly Whim ledge. At the gully mouth I was within a few metres of a Jackdaw that focused on pecking and the short vegetation between the expose rock surface. A Mole hill was found near the centre toilet hedgerow.