A rather quiet morning but warm with a cooling breeze. As I walked towards the castle Magpies and Blackbirds were seen on the car park grass verges. It was a Chaffinch and a Robin which instead popped down to investigate the tarmac footway.
I headed for caravan terrace hoping for some butterflies, however, despite the sun only a few Skippers and Hoverflies put in an appearance. Only a glimpse of the rock face could be seen through the encroaching scrub thus suggesting winter clearance. Beside the bridge the Sycamore was laden with “spinning jenny” winged seed pods.
Durlston Bay was most calm only disturbed by a keen oars-person whom I suspected was associated with some of the many pot markers. A flotilla of sailing vessels took advantage of the conditions with a good dozen seen heading for Weymouth.
A single Pyramidal Orchid stood proud on the steep grassy slope betwixt castle and coast path. At the coastal foot of the Globe steps I finally differentiated between two flowering plants that had be puzzling me. Both plants being crucifers, however, the large leaved variety was of course Bastard Cabbage whilst its neighbour with more linear leaves and mustardy flowers appeared to be Charlock. The protective cuckoo spit foam upon Tamarisk and Blackthorn shielded and kept moist the Leaf Hopper grubs within.
From the observation point the two pairs of Fulmar were active as a raft of seventy Guillemot (and at least one Razorbill) sat upon the sea. Warren informed me that he had already seen: eighteen Common Scoter head east, two Sandwich Terns and we suspected another breakfast run of some one hundred Gannets.
Amongst the Sea Campion and Thrift I saw Dwarf Mallow flowers scrambling over a rocky out crop. Beside the coast path the relatively small fifty pence piece sized flowers of Sea Bindweed bloomed.
Back towards the centre a family of Blue Tits (possibly those from the nest camera box beside our office window) worked through the Blackthorn in search of insects. I saw one Long Tailed Tit no doubt with family nearby.