My first diary since returning from Mallorca, where I’ve seen Aleppo Pine, Tamarisk (Found here at Durlston but native to the Mediterranean), the beautiful Swallowtail Butterfly and a European Mantis (Mantis religiosa).
I arrive at Durlston on an overcast morning, immediately spotting a Jay. Getting out of my car, the bird sound is plentiful, with the sound of Goldfinches, Robins, Chaffinch and Goldcrest, as well as corvids such as Crows, Magpie and the aforementioned Jay, as well as a Raven.
Walking on, I pass Ash, Horse Chestnut and Holm Oak, as well as Hawthorn and Blackthorn, hearing Great Tit and a Blackcap.
From Lighthouse Road, I hear a Grey Squirrel rustling to the left of me, and spot a Dunnock and Goldfinches bouncing between the scrub of Blackthorn, Hawthorn and Ivy to the right of me.
In Lighthouse Field, many Linnets, Goldfinches and Swallows are seen above me as I walk down towards the Gully, the odd yellow from Agrimony, Common Toadflax and sad-looking Hawksweed Oxtongue are seen, yet very few and far between these Autumn days, although European Gorse and Old-mans Beard are frequent along the field.
Down to the clifftop and passing the Lighthouse and familiar Tamarisk, many a Jackdaw is seen, and the odd Thrift in bloom, providing a pink colour to the autumn scene.
Rock and Golden Samphire and Sea Aster are also widely spotted down here.
Along the clifftop trail, Stonechat, Shag, Cormorant, Herring Gull and a Raven are all spotted. Above the Guillemot caves, a Peregrine Falcon is head-scratching towards Durlston Bay.
Teasel, Stinking Iris and White Poplar are mixed in with the plentiful Tamarisk and the Holm Oaks to the left.
Going up towards the castle and with the Bay opening up ahead of me, a massive shape jumps out of the water – it isn’t a Bottle-nose Dolphin, but rather the first time I see a Bluefin Tuna here at Durlston.
Have a great Tuesday!