After yesterday the weather returned to its autumnal flavour. On the seaward horizon the cloud appeared to merge with the sea. Whilst the sky was grey, the damp was due to dew. Ballard Down was visible but not the Isle of Wight.
. Wind blown leaves and small branches littered the carparks, in contrast a Butterfly (Red Admiral most likely) passed overhead. I admired the gradually progressing Hedgelaying alongside the Long Meadow – coast path link path. Durlston Bay was calm and quiet, although a Jay was glimpsed, along with a few Wood Pigeon amongst the undercliff.
It was a surprised to see Tug Boat DMS Condor Leith passing Durlston Head on its way to Poole Harbour. Back upon the cliff tops only a few fruits remained upon Wild Madder, which presented many empty stalks. Nearby were dry Woodsage flowers and petal-less Fleabane heads leaving on “disc florets”. Near the Sea Chart a “cronk” indicated the presence of a Raven, as leaves rattle over the tarmac in a breeze. Today, the sea cliffs were still quiet. Such that the third passage of a Greater Black Gull “toing and froing” was interesting! A Shag left the cliffs to land briefly upon the sea only to dive under. It was a shock when a Hen Pheasant arose from the coastal verge. Still half a dozen Golden Samphire flowers near Tilly whim steps. Standing beside one of the measured mile markers, the whistle of the wind through the structure was heard. Up slope, amongst the bare ground, one purple Dwarf Thistle bloomed. Pinky Centaury and Yellow Wort flowers contributed more colours. Looking through the Goat Plot gateway, buds showed upon Wayfaring Tree. I do not apologise for again enjoying the “lemon & custard” colours of roadside Common Toadflax.
A trio of Dog Rose flowers were in various states of opening amongst the downland, with two ankle high Blackberry flowers close by. More butterfly activity was about the edge of the Small Copse where the last remaining hay bales still sat in South Field. A male Blackcap was seen before taking the weather readings. With the bird ringers a witnessed a score of Redwing approach the nets. Captures also included: Firecrest; Goldcrest; Chiff Chaff; Black Cap; Goldfinch. A Bloody-nosed Beetle was near the centre.