Welcome to October half term! We host Reading University’s Meteorological department annual Durlston field visit hence the additional weather station equipment.
Even before I arrived dedicated ParkRun volunteers were active. We all experience rain. Nevertheless, Greenfinches were active with a charm of twenty passing by. Concentric circle ripples quiver across the pond surface as rain fell. No Newts were in the pond as they have a predominantly terrestrial life cycle other than mating, egg laying and a larval stage in water.
Half a dozen Jackdaws flew past the measure mile markers, these “naked pylons” were soon each occupied by a Carrion Crow. The nearest Crow ruffled its feathers shedding rain before joining its partner perhaps due to my approach. Near the concrete bases were Fox “leavings” with Sloe stones therein. More Jackdaws emerged from the Goat Plot edge Holm Oak cover; all the birds flew west. Anvil Point Lighthouse flash its lamp, as PE11204 motored west for pot fishing duties. A Shag left the sea cliffs passing over the wake of the fishing boat. A second Shag stretched its wings whilst upon a ledge below an empty Guillemot cave. Ten Feral Doves ascended from the cliff face, before I passed crystal clear rain drops upon Tamarisk “needles”. A trio of immature Herring Gulls flew west, whilst the whit dot at Durlston Head was discovered to be a Greater Black Backed Gull. Holm Oak saplings had managed to grow on the cliff edge thanks to the cover of spiky scrub. Further along mature specimens held 20 pence piece sized acorns.
I was relieved upon passing the Dolphin / Seabird Hide not only to have sunshine pierce through the cloud but to see limited path erosion due to surface water. Whilst I walked towards grey cloud more blue sky appeared west. Many shed White Polar leaves were scatter upon the coast path before the observation point. Sun reflected off the glass panels where I later stood to see two Shags upon a sea level edge. More Goldfinch activity beside the Globe whilst Woodpigeon perched inn a Sycamore by the Noon bench.
I remind myself to “put out George Burts Skeleton upon reaching the castle”, as you do of course!