As I meandered through the scrub I looked upon the range of Lichen growing upon the Hawthorn and Blackthorn. Only yesterday I believe it was Derek whom suggested we should celebrate Durlston’s clean air. The fact that we have branching lichens with a large surface area indicates the purity of the air. Otherwise only a Blue Tit caught my eye in the scrub, whilst Robins, Wrens and Blackbirds were heard out of sight.
A noisy Jay shot up the timeline squawking as it went. Beside the castle upon the coast path there was a gathering in the shade upon the ground which included Grey Squirrels, Wood Pigeon and Jackdaws. Overhead it sounded like Goldfinches passing. Later I was fortunate enough to see them at rest within the Tamarisk near the Great Globe.
Early morning Dolphin Watcher Ann recorded four Ravens and two Peregrine Falcons this morning. I saw only one Peregrine Falcon myself as I looked from the Observation Point towards Anvil Point. It was perched upon the sea cliffs as were a pair of Greater Black Backed Gulls whom later flew west. Also heard from sea level was the call of an unseen Oystercatcher. Two Shags were seen upon the water one in Durlston Bay another off Tilly Whim. Upon the coast path a Dunnock happily investigated the path margins before taking cover in the Tamarisk. Within the coastal Holm Oak a Grey Squirrel was heard chuntering away rather like a clucking hen!
Off Anvil Point a line of sea foam drifted whilst in the clear blue sky four aircraft heading west each created its own vapour trail which was quick to disappear. In the gully I counted twenty four Herford Cattle. Most of them were on the south facing slope with stragglers slowly heading to join them. I looked and thought I saw two Jackdaws perched upon the ears of one cattle, however, from a different angle I saw they were on the mammals back.
Both Teasel and Burdock retained seed heads which perhaps might be of use to seed eating birds and mammals. Only Winter Helitrope was seen in flower.