The majesty of Durlston is the work of many hands
Two have stayed a spell
And we bid them farewell
As they leave for distant lands
A heavy blanket of cloud hugged the sky this morning as I set out on my journey. The Car Park was quiet, but heading out towards Skipworth Meadow, the clacking of Stonechats became audible, as well as sharp outbursts from Blackbirds. A Dunnock and Robin were perched on a patch of Bramble, and alternating their calls in a pleasant duet. The meadow itself supported a single Ragwort plant, standing defiantly tall above the short grass. I’ll be back for it later with gloves.
Large Copse sheltered an aging Shaggy Parasol mushroom, its spores long since released. Beyond its boughs in Taskers meadow, Redwings were launching from and diving into the hedgerow. The yaffle of a Green Woodpecker sounded loud, and from inside the undergrowth I could hear the sounds of an animal moving. Too large to be a rodent, I believe it was a shy Roe Deer.
A few Wild Carrots were growing amongst dried husks of Fleabane in Saxon Field, and as I passed through the drove I caught a Sparrowhawk darting past out of the corner of my eye. I’ve seen one hunting there before. Further on, a tiny bird was half concealed among tangled vegetation. I followed it patiently, studying its movements. A Goldcrest, judging by its manner. Sure enough, when it finally turned towards me I saw the flash of yellow on its head. Success!
A loop round to the lighthouse took me past Field Mushrooms and Field Blewits, also past their prime. On the water, a Shag skimmed low on its regular eastward journey. A Channel Ferry was heading out to sea, the end of a journey for some, the start of a journey for others. I watched it slowly make its transit for a few minutes, then continued on.