I heard plenty of bird recordings this morning being played by the Stour Valley Ringing Group. They reported having captured some fifty birds predominantly Blackcaps, Chiff Chaffs as well as a one Whitethroat and a Tree Pipit. Our visiting Moth Trappers reported two Ortolan Buntings having set up from the goat plot. Apparently these birds can still be found on French menus and roasted whole after having been marinated in Armagnac! These lucky duo looked to be safely heading for Africa! They also reported some moths! A possible Rosy Wave, several Convolvulus Hawk Moths and a plethora of Yellow Underwings.
Meanwhile, I was excited at first to hear then observe a pair of Ravens. Initially they perched atop the Upper Mile Marker, on my approach one calling headed west along the cliff edge whilst the second went off heading up the gully. Perhaps due to this action some thirty Jackdaws set up from the coastal slopes in field 10a. Later after looking for a Peregrine Falcon on the cliff face I finally heard one before seeing it. The bird was perched on the rock / grassland interface near Durlston Head and put to flight heading west along the sea cliffs.
Meanwhile off shore Solent Guardian a twin hulled “Coastal Survey” vessel headed west towards the shower band. I was content to observe the solo coastal sea kayaker with, fishing line in tow, progress his journey from Tilly Whim to within the sights of Peveril Point NCI Lookout.
I saw three Shags one on a rock island, another on a ledge three metres above the sea and the last 12 metres up clinging cliff face cling. Sea Aster was in flower Cliffside. Valerian at the Globe had gone over but predominantly white and some pink flowers were seen on the castle walls. Whilst the Wild Madder berries were still a very pale beige Elder berries were a shiny deep black beside the castle. A waist high Holm Oak shower larger than recent acorns and provide a frame for spider’s webs. I had one living and one dead Bloody nose Beetle and a Wasp on the wing. The Gallery level is closed for a wedding today.