I took an early patrol through the meadows where perched on the top of a hay bale was a Kestrel, its brown colouration showing against the grey backdrop.
Along the hedgerows a constant flutter of small birds, with Great Tits and Blue Tits moving about alongside Robins and Dunnocks. On closer inspection amongst the blackberries were some Common Whitethroats, the white flashes on their necks showing as they turned to feed.
A greyer bird was identified as a male Blackcap, his jet coloured head spotted just as he disappeared into the tangled mass of Honeysuckle and Old Mans’ Beard.
Along the coast the Golden Samphire is still showing well as is the Sea Aster and Rock Samphire. These ‘autumn’ flowers are joined by the dull pink Hemp Agrimony, and small golden coloured Carline Thistle.
A short peer out to sea produced a superb Gannet swinging its way towards Durlston Head, the white wings flashing as it skimmed above the grey water.
Coming up towards the Castle I disturbed a Silver-Y and a Painted Lady on the Buddlea, but my attention was drawn to left by the crashing through the undergrowth of a chestnut brown Roe Deer. I wouldn’t have noticed it if it hadn’t been so noisy!
Later reports: Along the diagonal path, as the flock of Blackcaps were watched amongst the Gorse a Wryneck was suddenly spotted as it hopped up to perch on the branch of a Hawthorn.