Before Durlston I had Roe Deer and Rabbit encounters. Despite grey clouds it was fresh if not weak light. Another day of soil accumulation upon the soles!
Offshore heading west was a vessel marked “Survey”. Peering from the ridge I set up one Carrion Crow which flew off calling. From a large scrub island upon the coastal downland I believe I heard the distinctive call of a Dartford Warbler. Passing over a stone step stile I sent up another crow whilst another continued to preen further along the wall. It was a solo Swallow that gracefully swooped over the quarry marked ridge. The large wingspan indicated a Greater Black Backed Gull was flying east. I heard Blackbird clucks and Blue Tit calls from the scrub that was cloaked in Ivy and Traveller’s Joy. Further investigations reveal a Song Thrush and Chaffinch amongst the cover. Amongst the stone foundation of the Napoleonic signal station base, I found thumb sized Stomach Fungi.
It was pleasant to see a few Gorse flowers, then I saw two Cock Pheasants having a stand-off. After body bobbing one appeared to jump and step backwards. The birds did not seem eager to part company and one only flew off when I investigated too closely. A Magpie perched at the eastern end of the ridge whilst Wood Pigeons utilised the bridge side Sycamore nearby. I notice how a browsed and stunted Elder only held leaves at its branch tips. Jackdaws perched about the Lighthouse complex roof tops.
half a dozen Harebell flowers near the lighthouse. Below the Lighthouse Yarrow was still out beside the Holly. Whilst Thrift, Sea Aster and Golden Samphire added their few blooms too. A Stonechat was heard near the gully mouth and a Kestrel glided eastwards across the gully. Another day with a Peregrine Falcon perched above the cliff face cave. One Shag was seen to head west. Plenty of Banded Snail and tiny conical Top Snail shells were upon the grassy verge near Tilly Whim gate. Today we prepare for the celebrations of The Pleasure Grounds Project finale. As I will not be here for it tomorrow, I wish it well for all!