After yesterdays pouring rain, 14.0mm, it was good not to get wet as I took the early patrol around Durlston.
Along the cliff the Guillemots were perched on their ledge, the black and white bodies standing upright, while a few were bobbing on the water, most of these still sporting their winter plumage.
The sound of a charm of Goldfinches tinkling as they landed in the tops of a Hawthorn bush, the gold wings flashing as they arrived.
Taking off from the tuft of Tor Grass was a Meadow Pipit, a noisy piping call as it flew off towards another patch of downland.
We have been cutting back and widening the route of the South West Coast Path (which is also part of King Charles III England Coast Path), so a quick check, sadly more still to do, so expect cutting and clearing over the next week in that area.
Whilst at the clifftop a Peregrine Falcon swished by, a glimpse of yellow from its feet as it went.
Last night was a fantastic starry night, thousands of stars to be seen, as I looked upwards the sound of the hooves of a Roe Deer heard as it crossed the path, while the snuffling sound of a Badger could also be heard from nearby.
Although we are now towards the end of November some flowers are still providing the odd bloom, including the purple Greater Knapweed and the white Wild Carrot.
The hedgerows still have a super covering of berries, with the deep red of the Haws (from the Hawthorn), the bright red of the Black Bryony and Dog Rose Hips.
A startled Pheasant took off from near my feet, amazing how such a large bird can be so hidden amongst the ropes and coils of Old Man’s Beard.
A Robin heard singing as I wandered past the walling centre, while a Wren burst out its alarm call.