It was a surprise to see a Roe Deer beside the coast path. It had emerged from the depth of the “non-intervention” undercliff at Durlston Bay. It disappeared towards the Dell, where I checked and still saw cauliflower like heads upon Hydrangeas. Mexican Daisy, Fuchsia, Valerian and Buddleia still held flowers by the Castle.
Overhead there was the currently familiar chatter of Swallows and Martins. It was great to see the sea again, below the Globe, where Tamarisk had been cut back. Fresh acorns hung on coastal Holm Oak whilst Rock Samphire protruded from a coastal wall. Apparently, this plant is also known as Sea Fennel due to its l eaves, according to Culpepper, having a "pleasant, hot and spicy taste". Two Greater Black Backed Gulls flew along the cliff face and a Shag left it for the sea as another flew west. Other activity was presented by Feral Doves and Jackdaws. Ivy flowers presented a sweet aroma after to observation point. Around the corner I discovered that a double line, a considerable open ground, had been revealed by recent scrub clearance. I tested the sound post in the Dolphin Watch shelter. A foghorn blast was heard from inside due to the pause between the two. Yesterday, visitors asked after the tower / block of flats beside the Lighthouse. This could only have been the redundant Fog Horn housing. Sea Campion retained flowers at the foot of the lighthouse perimeter wall as a Red Admiral fluttered.
The charm of twenty Goldfinches may have been seen several times. Interestingly, several fled scrub cover near the Small Copse, but left one behind observing. I delighted at seeing a dozen Harebell flowers under the overhead wire upon the green. Upon the Horseshoe Bridge parapet wondered a Wren. A trio of Robins were close by with one singing from a Pear. The second morning mammal was a deceased Common Shrew, found upon the tarmac just above the gully cutting. A report was confirmed that indeed hay bales were still in South Field. The contractors might have overlooked this field and perhaps needed a reminder. The final delight was to see a Painted Lady beside the Centre.