I arrive at Durlston putting my waterproof jacket on in case of rain, something I have not been doing for ages for the diary walk. Psithurism (Sound of wind between trees) is highly noticeable as I walk towards Lighthouse Road with the odd Robin calling. On Lighthouse Road, I see Dock, Holm Oak, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Ragwort, and of course Brambles with ripened blackberries – I tried a couple but tasted awful! Birds spotted were a Blue Tit and Goldfinches.
Going onto Lighthouse Field, I can see the turbulent English Channel, for sure the Atlantic and the Jet Stream has hold of our weather now, as meteorological Autumn starts! From here, I spot our Hereford cattle grazing away in the next field, within the field Old-man’s Beard is plentiful, Greater Knapweed, Common Toadflax with a pollinating bee on it - was to quick for me to Identify the species, Woolly Thistle passing its time, Agrimony and much European Gorse.
I stop at the bridge above a gully, where I often stop to listen out and watch out for birds or mammals, unfortunately the wind seemed to dull down any sound of fauna species, but I did manage to hear and spot Robins, a Wren, Crow and Blue Tit, I could also just about hear a species of Bush-cricket or Grasshopper chirping away. Swinging away a tall Field Maple stands surrounded by Old-mans Beard and Brambles below.
Moving on I head towards the lighthouse, on route I spot a European Hornet, a Magpie, as well as hearing then spotting a Peregrine Falcon. Flora spotted are Restharrow, Birds-foot Trefoil, Tamarisk swaying in the wind, Rock and Golden Samphire. Passing the lighthouse, up the hill, I pass through the gate onto the Clifftop trail – here I see 2x Ravens, though no Guillemot chicks for them to feed on this time of year, and I spot a sail in the distance amongst the wind and waves – “I wouldn’t want to be out in that!” I thought.
Have a great Monday!