A still, warm start to the day with streaks of high cloud and a gentle westerly breeze carrying with it the sounds of birdsong and the whispering of the sea.
With clear skies overhead, many migrating birds have set off early, with a few Swallows circling above the Castle and a few small flocks of Meadow Pipits, passing high overhead. Once again numerous small flocks of Goldfinch swirl along the bushes and hedgerow, with a Dunnock shuffling along a kerb, picking through the fallen leaves.
Jays are very noticeable at this time of year, as they hunt for acorns – the pruinescent blue wing feathers sparkling in the sunshine. Our resident birds are supplemented at this time of year by Jays from as far afield as France!
A Kestrel scans the Car Parks – hanging so still, it looks as if it has been painted onto the sky, with a small flock of Goldcrests picking through the needles of a Black Pine.
Out in the meadows, our cattle are grazing the aftermath of the hay cuts, keeping nutrient levels low, and opening up the sward with their hooves, creating space for new plants. In the hedgerows Blue Tits, Great Tit, Chiffchaffs, Robins, Wrens and Song Thrush great the morning sun, with a charming family of Long-tailed Tits in the scrub near South Field, rotating through 180 degrees as they feed, constantly squeaking to their companions.
A Peregrine Falcon hugs the clifftops, skimming along just a few feet above the cliffs, sending a flock of Jackdaws chattering into the air.
Down below, a Shag flaps ponderously by, above the gently lapping waves, with a Great Black-backed Gull wheeling in slow arcs and a Buzzard soaring above Durlston Bay.
A Raven croaks harshly near the Learning Centre, while in the woodland, Dead Man’s Fingers, Candlesnuff Fungus and Jelly Ear Fungus can all be seen.
A variety of colourful berries to be seen, including Bryony, Bittersweet, Madder, Rose and Hawthorn.