Both sunrises and sunsets are a welcome joy, at Durlston, this time of year. Apparently, content in South Field, it has been a shame that the Hereford Cattle have made little impact upon the abandoned hay bales. We had removed the plastic netting in the hope they would be eaten, the ground too wet for the bales to be removed. One calf under, the Small Copse canopy, may have preferred eating Winter Heliotrope leaves.
A Robin sang from an Apple Tree perch, one that held a few leaves still. Around Black Bird alarm calls were heard, along with “clucks”. In places their distinctive leaf turner searches for food, at ground level, were noted.
I ascended a moss and grass cloaked and reclaimed quarry spoil heap, so to reach the coastal ridge. Great views of downland, meadow and sea enabled me to spot the rump of a Roe Deer upon the reclaimed landfill. Unseen Pheasant calls were broadcast. Flying “upstream” towards the dew pond was a Great Tit. It was a thrill to see a familiar of 8 plus Long Tailed Tits flutter by chattering. A Sycamore crown occupied them as the dangled from branches at all angels, even upside down. In the Horseshoe Bridge Sycamore perched several Woodpigeon. At some point these were replaced by dozen Carrion Crow, which in turn some fled upon the as a dog approached with its jingling collar bell.
I heard the rush of many beating wings and there was a flight of Wood Pigeon being pursued by a Sparrow Hawk. Another circuit saw one Pigeon being chased, but it escaped by flying into the branches of the bridge Sycamore. Today, a new complete Greater Knapweed flower, as well as a healthy Woolly Thistle flower were enjoyed. Even some yellow petals remain upon a Yellow Wort whilst a few Ox Eyes Daisies, albeit short stem, protruded from short, trampled downland turf.
A wonderful new capstan winch was in place at the demo Quarr. In was installed yesterday by former Ranger Linda Price & woodworker brother “Stumpy”, with current Ranger help. Volunteer work was ongoing in rebuilding the associated wall.