This morning had an autumnal feel to it, however, occasionally the sun pieced through the cloud. I experienced a brief light shower. Another morning with Swallow and Martins activity. Initially around the car parks, later about the castle and finally near the Small Copse. The migration had begun.
On my way to the castle, through the woodland, I saw a distinctive ball of black fur amongst a “v” in a Crack Willow tree. This Black Cat (domestic!) I scared off by “hissing” for fear it might harm wildlife. Wood Pigeons were reassuringly heard before a Jackdaw trio fled the castle. Castle Valerian and Buddleia still bloomed, the later issuing a sweet scent. Seed filled Poppy heads stood on upright stems.
Both a Blackbird and Wren explored Dell Terrace. Offshore Durlston Bay was calm whilst many small wavelets showed west of Durlston Head. A Shag flew out from the Head whilst later another two flew low across the wake of mustard pot fishing vessel PE1087. Sea Aster and Rock Samphire flowers protruded through Tamarisk. Plenty more Rock Samphire cloaked the sea cliffs. I observed two birds approaching, their calls and Jackdaw disturbance confirmed there being Ravens. Briefly thirty Jackdaw were in the sky along with the Ravens.
Alpine like tiny leaves of Wild Thyme were beside the coast path. Between Gorse needles sheet webs held only water droplets. A Pill Bug cross the stoney path before I reached the Mile Markers. I watched a bird cross the gully, then spotted a Kestrel perched upon a windowsill in the Lighthouse complex.
Duke and Ryan examined the Castle and Learning Centre Moth Taps and found the follow moths:
Black Neck; Horse Chestnut; Hedge Rustic; Radfords Hame Shoulder; Delicate; Carrot Brown; Blairs Modia; Olive Tree Pearl; Green Carpet; Hoary Footman; Straw Underwing; Madder Pearl; Oak Hooktip; Portland ribbon Ware and Four Spot Footman