A pleasant sunny January morning falls over the park as I make my way down the timeline. Halfway down I spot the Red Cage fungus found by Tuesday work party this week. In the few days between then and now it has doubled in size the red lattice like structure stretching to make the “cage”. Now a few days old it starting to go over and collapsing in on itself almost looking like a deflated balloon. Behind in a white ball like fungus can be seen, it appears to be a new Red Cage Fungus waiting to emerge.
Down past the dell where before I can get distracted looking for birds below the bridge, the noise of multiple sea birds pulls my attention away. Just off Durlston Head a feeding frenzy is taking place. Large Gannets diving dramatically between Guillemots, Shags and Herring Gulls, the birds all in hot pursuit of the fish hiding just below the surface. Gannets circle above the water while the others bide their time sitting on the surface of the water. The large group of birds moves slowly round the head towards the light house.
Two Peregrine Falcons soar past high overhead disappearing behind the tree line. Approximately 8 Fulmars soar in and out of the cliffs top, swooping in close to the cliff wall so I’m able to get a good look at their mottled grey plumage and black “eyeliner”. I could watch their graceful manoeuvres for hours.
Heading through the woodlands, I spot some Witches Butter fungus growing on a part of the log edging. The yellow jelly like fungus does look like an odd sort of butter, though I don’t think I would want to spread it on my toast. Turkey Tail Fungus also decorate other surrounding logs.