As I walked beneath the bow of an Ash above a Carrion Crow was calling but not deterred by my presence enough to depart. Magpie cackling was heard from over the timeline perhaps explaining why no small birds were upon a stocked castle bird feeder, or perhaps they had given up on our refilling it! Beside the stone chart a Red Admiral made an appearance in the sun as a Robin called from the cover of Holm Oak. Further investigation revealed acorns on the Holm Oak making it easier to show that this evergreen Mediterranean species is still on Oak!
Out at sea three coaster vessels were towards the horizon whilst a pot fishing boat headed west lifting pots. Only one Greater Black Backed Gull sat perched upon the cliff face, however, when another passed above the former reeled its head back and broadcast its call upwards into the sky with a strong from its beak. Only Jackdaws perched alongside on the cliffs whilst a dozen Rock Doves soared past.
Near Tilly Whim steps, a Fox had marked its presence with faeces. Some of best gorse flower cover can be seen upon a clump above the “Adder ledge”
Initial glorious sun rising over Durlston Head meant identification of the flocks flying overhead were hampered, however, my need for new spectacles did not help! However, we certainly had large flocks of Goldfinches passing through with at least one flock of forty seen by myself.
Our pair of Raven’s mobbed a Kestrel on the Wares west of the mile markers. Some swift acrobatics were performed by the Kestrel to out manoeuvre its pursuers. Upon the lower mile marker the Ravens retreated and discussed their tactics before interfering with the Kestrel further inland. The Kestrel eventually realised it was best to avoid the Ravens.
The small copse had its trio of Speckled Wood and upon Ash bushy lichen displayed its “jam tart” spore clusters.