Yesterday we had another new record for the site. However, in was the non-native Prickly Stick Insect, presumably brought in on pleasure ground plantings. This now being our second such species. These can breed asexually; a loan female can make even more females. It was also a good day, near the castle, to see Humming-bird Hawk Moths in flight.
Today’s moth trap revealed a Garden Tiger Moth and fresh female Large Green Bush Cricket. Another autumnal morning to be grateful for in comparison to European burning….
The Isle of Wight disappeared from view. The castle benefitted from flowering Fuchsia, and Mexican Daisy which had begun to create a “mane” about the sundial.
From the observation point and along the cliff tops, it was only Herring Gulls, Greater Black Backed Gull, Cormorant and Rock Pipits today. Rosehips still wore flower bracts beside the coast path, with Honeysuckle fruits nearby. I smelt Fox as the White Poplar was passed. Near the gully mouth, Rock Samphire, Golden Samphire, and the occasional Thrift flower added interest. A male Stonechat call below the Lighthouse as I entered the sheltered gully ravine. In here and on ascent up through the gully a few Meadow Browns, Skippers and Gatekeepers were seen. Spits of wind-blown drizzle greeted me as I approached the gully rock face. Here Dwarf Thistle and Wild Thyme appeared between the Limestone. A feint wailing came from the overhead wires as they were “played” by the wind.
Nearby and opposite the Demo Quarr, with newly restored stone truck, both Dyers Greenweed and Common Toadflax had their yellow blooms.