Whilst hoping to find Autumn Gentian, a Harvestman passed over the rock outcrop and thin soils like a stilt walking spider. At the rocky margin a Dwarf Thistle flower peaked out. On the roadside several Bastard Toadflax stems still held flowers, interestingly only up to six inches tall, so it appears they grow to match the surrounding vegetation height. Nearby a few Fleabane flowers and Knapweed persisted. However, the latter also held many flowers-less bract cups. I was surprised to find two fresh looking Thrift flowers in the gully bottom. Sea Aster persisted on the cliff side.
Tilly Whim’s ex-Pentonville Prison granite gate post housed a Garden Spider on its web displaying its crucifix marking. However, in the crevice between the post and capstone I found several snails taking cover.
Swallows and House Martins were initially seen in low numbers over long meadow, then at the gully mouth. Closer to the cliff tops the hawking migrants become more visible and numerous, heading east no doubt as part of a circuit. Similarly Jackdaw numbers also gradually increased until ultimately setting up a score from the coast path scrub. I was delighted to see a Blackcap which had been making its chat calls. Meanwhile, upon the gully rock escarpment perched a Wheatear with its distinctive ear band a white black short tail. Off shore I had the briefest glimpse of a Fulmar.
Tendrils of Honeysuckle protruded up above its host scaffold provide by a Hawthorn. In doing so the former made its shiny red fruits easier to be harvested by birds than the juicy Blackberries below. Woolly Thistle heads resembled winter bobble hat full of white down. Meanwhile, Holm Oak had small tight acorns with opportunity for growth.
Occasionally a Bee buzzed by, however I was to find an Adonis Blue, Meadow Brown, Gatekeeper and two Small Blues amongst the gully sward. I manage to entice onto my fingertip one of the later and studied its worn wings. Thereafter it flitted between flowerless stem against a breeze.
Stour Valley Ringing Group reported capturing: Blackcap; Tree Pipits; Chiff Chaffs; Willow Warblers and two Nightjar (bringing this year’s total to match last year’s nine… so far) the pick.