From the upper gully cover the calls of Tawny Owl rang out during dusk, yesterday. This morning started with frost and fog giving poor visibility. On my journey in I did not get to see the sea until a gap opened also to show the western measured mile markers. As a male Pheasant crossed my path, I recalled my discussion with Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust and their concern at this potential impact of this introduced (and naturalised) species upon our native reptile populations.
Until Durlston I had only heard Robins and Blackbirds calling. Today frozen cow dung pile (not flat pats) had become frozen trip hazards! Upon the coastal ridge another fog gap revealed a sloop sailing east and a frost-free coastal downland. I was not to see Anvil Point Lighthouse until I was at the same level as it. Of course, there were Jackdaws about it, but only two pairs. Cautiously (foolishly?) I negotiated the Lighthouse rock exposure and head down to the gully mouth. I passed a berry-less Holly, a male tree perhaps. Upon reaching the cliff top path I was met by rain which at times fell as sleet. Still Sea Aster flowered by the cave steps as did Gorse. Individual Shag were seen in flight arriving and departing from the sea cliffs. “Willow-the-wisp” like forms of mist drift out over the sea. Today the sea cave was vacant. Appearing around Durlston Head was pot fishing vessel PE1124 with its one-man crew. Below the Globe I found a trio of Greater Periwinkle flowers whilst succulent Rock Samphire “leaves” protruded from the coastal dry stone wall.
Across Durlston Bay only Peveril Point could be seen. Beside the Noon Bench half a dozen Woodpigeon perched within a Sycamore. Beyond the bay from within the fog came the first blast of a ship’s foghorn. A sound that would be repeated for some time. Caravan Terrace rock face held no icicles but dripped slightly and slowly.
I took a rainfall reading of 1.7mm from our new weather gauge and current temperature of 1.5 Celsius from our new thermometer. Both my trousers and notebook had become damp and needed drying out! Watch out for slippery ice today.