Upon arrival two pairs of Carrion Crows braved the wind and investigated the verges. At the Learning Centre a Rabbit ran out from underneath the parked ranger vehicle. Entire Holm Oak, Sycamore, Ash, Horse Chestnut and Willow moved in the wind which gusted at 31 mile per hour before 8am. Within the gully even the Blackthorn and Hawthorn scrub clinging to the gully sides rippled in the wind.
In Saxon field a Magpie and five Carrion Crows could occasionally be seen amongst the meadow sward. Of the later three birds displayed white feathers within their wings suggest immature birds. Two Wood Pigeon flew west across South Field taking cover in the Small Copse just before the rain came down.
Conditions were occasionally right for me to be treated to a steam like vent of spare from the blow hole. Golden Samphire with yellow / orange flowers and the pink/ purple Flowers of Sea Aster, decorated the cliff edge. Two Cormorants flew west keeping close to the waves whilst other sea birds (yet to be identified) kept close to the cliffs.
Forty fresh recruits to the 11th Signals Regiment passed by me on the coast path. They were walking from Durlston to Lulworth Cove with fully laden packs. The brief journey I needed to make in my wt, clingy combat trousers was put into perspective! Another group out today are the Dorset Branch of Dry Stone Walling Association. A score, including our Apprentice Ben, were preparing for their practical assessments at the walling centre. Good luck all!
Providing some colour today were the vibrant red fruits of a Lords and Ladies stem. Both Bittersweet (violet and yellow flowers) and Tufted Vetch (Blue) were visible at head height having climbed Gorse, Bramble or thorns to provide a support. I caught one Common Field Grass Hopper and had brief glimpses of two Meadow Browns when the sun came out.