I’ve been away in Madeira for two weeks and still Durlston has not recorded any rain since being away! Driving to Durlston it hit me how desolate everything is becoming with Ballard Down looking extremely parched as well as the fields and farms. Arriving at Durlston it is overcast and mild, the song from many a Robin can be heard as well as birdsongs being played out by the bird ringers in the pond area. A Robin is then seen on top of the Learning Centre.
Walking on Ragwort, Birds-foot Trefoil, Brown Knapweed, Common Fleabane, and Wild Carrot is spotted before walking onto the lighthouse path. Onto the path low lying Blackberries are spotted on Brambles (to low for me to confidently pick up and eat without cleaning), Sloes on Blackthorn, and Yarrow is spotted to the ground too.
Into Lighthouse Field, a solitary bee is spotted on Hawkweed Oxtongue, 2x Crows seen flying as well as a group of Jackdaws in the distance, a Blackbird is heard singing away, Goldfinches above, a while a couple of House Martins fly quickly past. Below Common Toadflax can be spotted amongst Red Bartsia, Field Bindweed, and Restharrow.
Stopping on top of the bridge a Wren sings away, a couple of Stonechats sit on top of Blackthorn, Long-tailed Tits and Great Tits are spotted flying into a rather parched Sycamore, and Robins call and sing away.
Onward and down to the clifftop Sea Aster is spotted with purple and yellow flowers, as well as Sea Beat, Rock Samphire, Thrift with gone over flowers, and Golden Samphire.
Upwards and passing Tilly Whim, the relative silence is noticeable from the Guillemots and Razorbills non-presence. However, Herring Gulls, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Jackdaws, Rock Pigeons and a Shag are spotted along the way.