Out to the far corners of Durlston National Nature Reserve for the early patrol, the sky a thick covering of grey cloud.
The sudden blast of sound from the grassy tussocks alerted me to the presence of a Wren, spotted as it wafted up and down on the bendy stems.
It then took off, a whirr of short brown wings before landing on the Blackthorn twig, giving me a better view.
In the background a dash of grey spotted as a Peregrine Falcon dashed by, the wings swept back into a ‘V’ as it went, until it changed direction and glided more slowly across the sky.
Continuing west, on the downland a few slimy looking pale brown fungi, these being Field Blewitts, growing low to the ground, just above the short blades of grass.
Growing from the white bark a couple of Elders, were the wobbly brown vaguely ear-shaped Jelly Ear fungus, some quite thin and almost translucent.
The cattle are about to move into Fields 3 and 3a (our most westerly slopes), so a quick check of the stock proofing requires. Just one hole in the wall to worry about, but perched on the sloping stones a Robin, orange chest puffed out.
A Roe Deer standing on the ridge, easily visible against the cloudy sky, while when it trotted off it blended better with the backdrop of scrub.
On one of the rambling piles of Old Man’s Beard, covered still in off white wispy beards, was a Chaffinch. The white slash of feathers visible on the wings as it perched. The dull pinkish body contrasting with the grey head markings and slate blue also on the wings.
Back towards the Centre and the sun’s rays were squeezing themselves between horizon and clouds, providing a pinkish colour behind the brilliant white looking Lighthouse – would have made a great picture – if only my camera had worked!!