Yesterday, in the woodland, I saw both Herb Robert and Celandine in flower. It was Fiona who spotted Velvet Shank on a path side log. Velvet must refer to the surface of this yellow, not red, fungi. Earlier in the week I had disturbed a nest of five Field Voles. The small mammals had their eyes still sealed so I covered over their nest in the Goat Plot.
Today a Carrion Crow called beside the carpark from an Ash tree. Daffodils and Mexican Daisies were in flower outside the castle. highlight was to see a lovely red / brown Adder basking above Tilly Whim steps. Near the sea chart I spotted a Magpie pair whilst a Jay squawked from Castle Wood. Shortly, flying inland and over the castle, were a chattering charm of Goldfinches. A sunbeam stretched across the sea to illuminate the Great Globe. Wave broke off Durlston Head such that their wash rolled into the bay. From upon one of the Belvedere chimney’s a Raven croaked.
Over the sea there was an attempt for one juvenile Herring Gull to steal the item that was in another’s beak. I guessed the aggressor was trying to cause its fellow to drop its prize for retrieval from the sea below. drop its find was its objective. Amongst the mown coast path verge a Greater Periwinkle flower was seen. I saw a sprig of healthy a naturally knurled Elm growing below the coastal dry-stone wall.
Only one Fulmar (at a time) was active off the cliff face. Some five Herring Gulls perched amongst the face. One Greater Black Backed Gull (latter to head west) perched low amongst rock and Thrift tussocks. Although I was to hear Guillemots gargling below, I was not to see any upon the swell. From near Tilly Whim I was able to look east and witness good Guillemot occupancy in the cave ledge.
However, my highlight was to see my first Adder of the year near the former dedicated camera. Upon its red / brown body a clear zig zag was seen as it spread out in a near “S” shape catching the sun. Beside Lighthouse Road bridge whilst six Carrion Crows perched in a Sycamore a Chaffinch, two Long-tailed Tits and a male Great Tit put in appearances. I the shade of Lighthouse Road cutting a Fox Moth crossed the tarmac. It was a relief to find all fourteen Hereford Calves grazing near the Small Copse, with one inspecting the drystone wall rebuild’ s progress. A House Sparrow perch on a gutter at the Centre.