I commenced by placing notices beside the parking machine informing visitor’s that Stephania & Matthew’s wedding is occupying the Gallery and Belvedere today. At the castle I disconnected the mercury vapour lamp of the moth trap which will be studied this morning!
My patrol focused upon the coast path from where I saw a dozen Herring Gulls following fishing boat PE1124 half close to the boat and the rest following in its wake. From the observation point I witnessed a pair of Herring Gulls greeting each other as one came into land. Whilst the sea rolled and created white crests one Gannet came into view. Upon a ledge below the Globe a pair of Greater Black Backed Gulls sat side beside. However, the only juveniles I noted was that of a pair of immature Fulmars circling close to the cliffs. At one point mature Fulmars and Herring Gulls flu past me at eye level on the coast path.
Meanwhile upon the water sat Guillemots in three loose rafts one of 8 including 2 Razorbills, another of 5 containing 2 Razorbills and lastly a group of 4 with another Razorbill. Whilst these birds also flew from cliff to sea the main “Guillemot ledge” itself was empty. I had a brief glimpse of a Large White butterfly and witnessed a 2 inch long Fox Moth Caterpillar cross the path.
A salt laden wind has scorched leaves of upper branch tips of Elm and even the waxy leaves of the Holm Oak. However, plenty flowers are upon this coast path including: Wild Thyme; Yellow Wort; Madder with very pale red flowers. By the mile markers I found a bird pellet containing beetle wings, seed cases and even parts of snail shell!
Just before I reached the Stephenson screen of the weather station I was delighted by the sight of a Swift overhead. Whilst the Swift is often associated with urban areas we are fortunate enough to have a rare cliff nesting colony on the coast west of Durlston.