Yesterday, the Hereford Cattle were encouraged into the Warren in preparation for their move tomorrow into their Christmas holding. I noticed a roadside as a Jay emerged from cover and took to flight. I headed for the diagonal path to check on tasks for the work party. On leaving I observed a Magpie perched upon the Stephenson Screen whilst another utilised a picnic table. I enjoyed the crunch of leaves underfoot whereas a Blackbird rested beside a cluster. It appeared as if a Bay tree’s leaves were being stretched to stroke me. Of course, this was the action of a breeze! Jackdaws chuckled above although unseen.
The first Shag I saw was in low flight over the sea as it flew east. The second left the cliff face to fly westward whilst the third chose to follow the first! A Greater Black Backed Gull was in a see sawing rising and descending in an open U-shaped flight pattern due to a cliff face thermal. Although I saw Guillemot’s in flight, their sea cave was vacant. I heard then saw that the Raven was calling from the upper measured mile marker. Two Jackdaws perched upon the overhead wires whilst other preferred the lighthouse complex rooftops. Whilst a fishing vessel “pottered” of St. Albans Head, a yellow hulled angling boat raced back towards Swanage. Earlier I had seen the lighthouse “blink”, but I was no to once I was beside it. A pause under the wires revealed a low hum from the breeze. Only Woodpigeons were seen amongst the gully tree cover. A Raven “honked” as it passed over me upon Lighthouse Green, shortly to perch upon the lower Mile Marker. I believe it was a Sparrowhawk that emerged from the Sycamore cover and disappeared in low flight over the grassland. I managed not to squash one muddy Worm cast on my ascent up the downland. I passed a couple of Yarrow flowers before reaching the Small Copse. Here I went in search of Winter Heliotrope flowers after having seen several flowers near the reclaimed landfill yesterday. Eventually, I was rewarded with one flower stem at the south east corner on the Copse. Both a Robin and a Dunnock explored the recently disturbed footings of a long-forgotten section of wall finally receiving attention.
Today, the Winters Solstice, as the shortest day commences the start of Winter. From here on we should start to gradually enjoy more daylight!