Jackdaws hide in nooks
Scattered across the Cliffside
Still no sign of Rooks
I started the day by carting down a few bundles of willow for today’s willow weaving activity stand. Drop in and have a go! I was early enough to catch the tail end of the dawn chorus, and on my way to the Castle I passed a couple of Song Thrushes perched in a Birch tree. Unfortunately, they weren’t in voice. The Car Park had it’s usual pleasant patter of wildflowers, with Scarlet Pimpernel and Agrimony catching my eye.
After dropping off my cargo I set off along the clifftops, the clacking calls of Stonechats ringing through the air as I walked. A Lesser Whitethroat perched on a Hawthorn tree, allowing me a brief close look before it departed. No binoculars necessary. I was escorted for part of my journey by one of Durlston’s currently ubiquitous Meadow Brown butterflies, which made short, low flights across the path. The creature never seemed to gain any height, and kept landing to rest. Perhaps it still needed to warm up.
Sea Aster sprouted from the banks at the top of the cliffs, poking up in between the Tamarisk. Below the soft splashing sound of the waves lapping gently against the rocks could be heard. Around a dozen sailing craft were making their way slowly across the water. As I looked on I became aware of a motorised yacht slicing its way through the waves. A lot faster than the wind powered craft, but somehow far less elegant.
A few Honeysuckle were still blooming, entwined with the other vegetation on the path edges. A Greater Black Backed Gull soared past towards the Lighthouse. I headed back through the woods to the Learning Centre to see what was to be seen.
The rustle of a Sycamore branch overhead indicated the passage of a Grey Squirrel, and the mixed trills of a Robin provided a musical accompaniment. I also passed a downed Willow trunk, which was sprouting lithe young whips straining to reach the sunlight. I really admire Willows, they do not go gentle into that good night.