A Jay swooped and landed amongst the branches of a Holm Oak tree, the size and the white rump eliminating all other possible bird species, nearby perched on the fence was a Magpie – a magnificent collection of black, white, blue and green, whilst down on the cliffs the Jackdaws were cackling and tumbling along the edge, the black caps contrasting with the grey napes.
As I stood looking out across Durlston Bay, the water was much choppier than recently, a swell coming into shore, bobbing on their ropes were a scattering of fishing pot buoys. The only other movement was of a Shag, as this long-necked bird skimmed low across the waves, to me looking a little stockier then the closely resembling Cormorant.
Not much flowering at present, apart from the occasional yellow Bristly Ox-tongue and Rough Hawkbit, however lots of berries to spot.
The bright red round Black Bryony berries dangle in clumps from dead-looking narrow ropes, Dog Rose has an abundance of lozenge shaped red berries on prickly stems, while small dark red spheres cover the Cotoneaster. This, although good for birds at this time of year can become a troublesome invasive species, growing across and completely covering open stone banks affecting the delicate habitat composition.
A superb view of a Kestrel as it flew against the wind, the tan brown plumage just catching a ray of sunshine which was squeezing between the grey cloud covering.
A sudden tearing sound of the air was caused by the flock of Feral Pigeons which zoomed along the coast path, jinking as they went by as it they were in a race.
The long leaves of Stinking Iris accompanied by bright orange berries along the hedgerows, while wider leaves of Hart-tongue Fern shine in the shady hollows. Here more ferns can be found including the Soft Shield Fern, Rustyback Fern and Male Fern.