I always find it a little hard to get up at this time of year, with the latening October sunrise, before the clocks go back in a couple weeks time. I’m a little motivated by Hirundine filling the sky – my barely 1 mile commute put into perspective by these little birds departing our coast for their 6000-mile migration.
Amongst their number, the elongated forked tail of Swallows, a House Martin’s white rump revealed by sharp upward movement, and dark collar visible upon the Sand Martins.
It’s dreary and damp across Durlston. The cows have moved across into South Field and moo beyond the fog. I step round the cow pats, and across dew covered meadow, water droplets glistening upon grass. A scattering of yellow also shines through where Rough Hawkbit blooms. More occasionally you can find flowering spikes of Agrimony, and the occasional clusters of white Yarrow.
More and more leaves fall from the trees, yellowing Sycamore scattered across the path. Deep blue Sloes still cling to the Blackthorn, providing a welcome splash of colour alongside the ruby-red Haws and crimson Rosehips. The remaining Blackberries begin to rot turning black.
Heading down towards the cliffs, the air is filled with the sound of Meadow Pipit, and Goldfinch, with flocks of up to 50 birds chatting across the sky. Good numbers of Chiffchaff, Linnet, and Blackcap, also passing through.
Looking past the Sea Campion, and down over the cliffs, the grey sea swirls around the rocks. Shag and Greater Black-backed Gull on patrol, with Jackdaw clattering about above.