Yesterday marked the last of our recent visitor surveys. I was delighted that during the early evening we were able to capture a family group of British Asians visiting from London. Those having been involved in our surveys may know how evidence of variety is most welcome. So this morning I was released to walk the route of my choice and able to pause in places.
South Field’s hay cut sward still retained some flowering Agrimony, Hawk-bit and Horseshoe Vetch. Upon the downs plenty of Knapweed flowers were still to be seen along with occasional Rest Harrow, Scabious and even an Ox Eye Daisy bloom within a scrub corridor. Meanwhile Rock Samphire and Sea Aster gave some coastal flowers. I simply had to admire the dry stems of Yellow Wort and Thrift. However, Sea Campion still bloomed near the Lighthouse, beside the marker stone defining the western limit of the Durlston Marine Project Area. Dwarf Thistle flowers also provided some colour.
I walked downslope towards the sea and into the wind past the Mile Markers. One Gannet flew over the sea heading east not long to be followed by another with an all-black juvenile. Typically three then headed in the opposite direction or perhaps we performing a large circuit! Meanwhile a trickle of Herring Gulls reliably headed west. One Shag put in a brief appearance off Durlston Head. Silently a Peregrine Falcon simply flew across the mouth of the gully to disappear beyond the Lighthouse. A flag pole ironically rattled beside the long muted Fog Horn at Anvil Point. There appeared to be occasional sea spray at the cliff tops despite their being only small white wave crest.
Upon the road beside the Quarr a quartet of Carrion Crows took in turn rest and then riding the up draft of wind, a family group I assumed. Downslope a pair of Magpies went from sward to tree tops during their pursuits. I had to secure and strengthen one of our Fairy Doors and clues which caused me to flush two Dunnock. A Whitethroat called from the Wildlife Garden today bereft of Bird Ringers! For those not already aware this morning’s Wildlife Photography walk has been cancelled due less favourable weather predictions! However, as I wrote it was only light rain, however, a Southerly Wind gusted to a maximum of 20 just after 8am. Thistledown occasionally drifted on the wind or was seen lodge earth bound perhaps in its final resting place. Perhaps more Field Maple, Ash and Sycamore masts may detach today.