Autumn makes its presence known
As chilly winds do stir
Autumn true face has been shown
As winter’s harbinger
A very crisp morning today as I embarked towards Durlston’s interior. The sky was clear with a rich blue hue and a chill wind to go with it. Chiffchaffs were calling from the undergrowth, their unmistakable two-tone song signalling their presence. Jackdaws were circling above Large Copse and I hurried over to shelter from the cold wind.
Large Copse was largely fungi free, containing only the husks of dead Shaggy Parasols. Beyond in Taskers Meadow a few Carrion Crows were on the wing, with the odd Great Tit concealed among the tangle of Blackthorn at the fields margins. Saxon Field was still supporting a good coating of Fleabane, though it was looking a little the worse for wear.
Continuing in my journey I was delighted to see a few tiny fungi pushing their way up near Ox Eye Daisy Field. Though small, these round growths showed the distinctive bobbly texture of the Common Puffball. Nearby there was also still Wild Carrot and Knapweed to be seen, as well as the increasingly rare Field Scabious.
Down by the Gulley I caught the rattles of Magpies and the devil like screeches of Jays, though as I moved towards the lighthouse the more pleasant tones of a Skylark became audible. On the slopes below, a few Holly trees were displaying their scarlet red berries, with the odd Blue Tit nestling among the spiky leaves. Very pretty.
A few small flocks of Goldfinches occasionally voyaged across the sky above the Coast Path. A couple of our park’s bird experts assured me that there were Linnets up there as well. I’m afraid we’ll have to take their word for it, because I can never seem to spot them. Out on the waves there was surprisingly little activity. A single Greater Black Backed Gull coasted atop the frigid breeze, apparently not suffering from the cold or the lack of companionship. Gulls can be quite a solitary lot.
Back in the Learning Centre Katie reported two Crossbills passing overhead.