The brave 14 that attended last nights Stargazing enjoyed views of Jupiter and Saturn. This morning I saw a near half-waned gibbous moon.
Goldfinches had become most obvious again as that chattered and landed in a Sycamore, some beside the garden then a charm seen over the Small Copse. Gentle leaf drop, noisy Wood Pigeon tack offs, overhead aircraft sat sounds against a backdrop of bird conversation. Upon the canopy of Willows at Reservoir Copse two Carrion Crows sat as beneath a Blackbird sounded alarm calls.
Shiny rain wettened black tarmac gave no scent, however, that of one of the new green oak interpretation posts did reach my nostrils. From the southeast corner of the centre roof a Robin perched, singing. After a Magpie cackle a House Martin was seen overhead. Winter Gnats fortunately were active just above my had height. Several white wavelets were offshore as at least one black wing tipped Gannet heading east. The trio of Shags that followed, having departed the cliff face, disappeared round Durlston Head. A trio of Feral Doves perched upon the edge of Tilly Whim wave cut flatform. Beside them were rock puddles as were a few on the coast path. Briefly concentric wings disturbed the surface tension of the puddles thanks to a very light shower.
I was delighted to see a score of white faced (winter plumaged) Guillemots in the sea cliff cave. Even a gargle was heard. It was not until I passed the colony spot that I saw the Peregrine Falcon, where I had expected it, facing west above the seabirds. From the observation point I discovered a Greater Black Backed Gull familiarly perched halfway up the sea cliffs but below the falcon. A grumpy looking Herring Gull faced inland below the observation point.
Just beyond the centre’s patio doors was one Ox Eye Daisy flower with the familiar flowers of Yarrow.