It’s a damp and more humid morning after yesterday afternoon’s heavy downpour, but at least the water isn’t falling from the sky this morning, although it was needed after a dry April! A Wood Pigeon can be seen perched on a leafless Ash as I change into my working boots. Then moving towards the Pleasure Ground Woodlands I spot a Robin, Goldfinches, Magpie, and male Blackbird, while hearing a Chiffchaff, Jackdaw and Blue Tit. Ground Ivy can be seen on the car park verges, while in the Long Meadow picnic area Common Daisies and Bulbous Buttercups are seen, while a Great Tit sings away in the hedgerow.
Into the Holm Oak dominant Pleasure Ground Woodlands, I stop to look out at the beautiful Durlston Bay, with Garlic Mustard plants clustered within the glade while a Firecrest, Blackcap and Chiffchaff sing away above me. Walking on and passing the Dell, Robins, a Collard Dove, Chiffchaff, Wren and Great Tits can all be heard singing away.
Taking the Clifftop Trail, Great Horsetail and Common Nettle are plentiful between the path, Red Valerian is coming out of the stone wall, while on the dry-stone walls mosses and Herb-Robert are seen. Over Durlston Bay many Herring Gulls are spotted, as well as the pink of Thrift just about seen past the Tamarisk over the cliff and Black Mustard grows tall next to a stone seat. Passing the globe and looking at the Brambles and Tamarisk I notice a lot of Cuckoo spit which is a foam to protect Froghopper nymphs.
Stopping at the viewpoint I am greeted by Fulmars, many a Guillemot, Rock Pigeons and Jackdaws. Taking a closer look, I could only spot one Razorbill amongst the many Guillemots, a Cormorant flying, a Shag too, as well as Herring Gulls. Moving on, there is a loud noise going on to the right of me within the woodland – Grey Squirrels are fighting away at each other while another Grey Squirrel watches on. The fights don’t stop there, as a Raven is attacked by a Crow! Other species spotted was a Blue Tit, Meadow Pipet and Blackbird, as well as the plant Bird’s-foot Trefoil before going up the diagonal path.
Heading back up the Learning Centre via the European Gorse prominent Diagonal path – a Whitethroat is spotted. Into the woodland area of Holm Oak, Sycamore and Ash a Wren, Firecrest, Blue Tit, Robins and Blackcap are all heard.
Enjoy your Sunday.