Last night’s Stargazing gave good views of Mars, Jupiter and a rather fun satellite passing. The later due to its rotation and sun reflection off its solar panels got brighter, darker then disappeared as it passed through the night sky.
Our bird ringers were out this morning which explained the clear Grasshopper Warbler call (a recording). So far they have caught one of the latter along with 7 Tree Pipits; Lesser White Throat and Black Cap. They reported having seen, but not rung, 30 Tree Pipits and a Redstart.
However, it is a relatively quiet wildlife day. Keep an eye on our website for a forthcoming public bird ringing event. Whilst there is a strong cooling breeze there are sun spots breaking through clod one created on golden spot beside a passing Sloop off Durlston Head. It was excellent walking weather with splendid views of the Isle of Wight and Old Harry and the tidal race over Peveril Ledges.
Our cliff tops were the domain of a few Herring Gull, Rock Doves and Jackdaw. Most passing birds were heading east. Valerian and Sea Aster still gave the cliffs some colour. Offshore there were three Shags, one of which spent some time preening on the sea. I believe at coast path level the large speckled brown seabirds passing me were some eight Skuas.
From the coastal gorse came the scratchy call of a Dartford Warbler. More melodious was the song of a Robin from atop Holm Oak near the Dolphin Hut (which needs new roofing felt I noticed!). To me there are more Swallows than House Martins at present, swirling and swooping for airborne insects. Luckily the one Meadow Brown which flew over my head (whilst I admired Tamarisk flowers) escaped unharmed (at least whilst in my view!).I heard the presence of Carrion Crow, Great Tit and Woodpigeon the latter were to be seen flying up through the Gully. We had two moth traps on last night one of which Sylvia will be exploring with visitors at the learning centre this morning.