I arrive at Durlston with overcast skies and hardly any wind. As I change my shoes and move within the car park, I hear the Robins calling and singing away, spot two Jays calling at each other, a Wren sings in the distance as Wood Pigeons fly above. I go through a small patch of Woodland habitat with large Hawthorns, Horse-chestnuts, and Holm Oak before stepping onto the Lighthouse Road.
On the lighthouse road many Blackberries are still spotted on the Brambles, Crows heard in the distance, as well as another Wren nearby and a few Blue Tits calling away. Into Lighthouse Field, on the ground Agrimony, Yarrow, Common Toadflax, and Greater Knapweed still make a presence. Within the long grasses and patches of European Gorse a male Pheasant is spotted trying to hide away from me.
Down on the gully bridge it starts to spit with rain, but it doesn’t stop the birds from singing away or moving around. Heard and seen are Chaffinches, Blue Tits, Robins, Chiffchaffs, Dunnocks, and Wood Pigeons. I spot a Great Spotted Woodpecker flying, calling and trying to peck at a dead leafless tree as I try to take a picture of it before failing as it flies off too quick! Further spotted and heard was also a Spotted Flycatcher.
Moving on I hear a Meadow Pipet and Stonechats as I walk down near the lighthouse. Here I spot Birds-foot Trefoil, a round 4 to 5 or more Autumn Lady’s-tresses, and empty Snail shells, while lots of Jackdaws are chilling on the field. Going round the lighthouse and passing Tamarisk to the right I spot Sea Beat, Sea Aster, Thrift, Golden Samphire, and Rock Samphire. Out into the English Channel I spot a Gannet flying west with my binoculars.
Heading up the Diagonal Path Long-tailed Tits and a Grey Wagtail are spotted within the scrubland habitats, as well as a Grey Squirrel and Fircrest in woodland habitat.