From the depths of reservoir copse, a Green Woodpecker’s call rang out. Later I was to see one such bird in undulating flight as it passed the Quarr on its descent into the gully. A waning gibbous moon was more obvious in the sky than the sun, although the later did peak thought the cloud like a prying all seeing eye! Its warmth and light were most welcome!
Upon our measured mile markers Jackdaws were in occupation today. Likewise, they were about the Lighthouse, one even perching upon the weather vane whilst the Lighthouse Lamp winked below.
Four separate Shags were seen this morning with only one heading west. An individual landed amongst a loose Guillemot raft where I saw it leap up from the water’s surface, arch over and dive into the depths below. I estimated sixty Guillemots to be within their cave, occupation being such that several birds perched on sloping surfaces. Meanwhile two rafts of eight and eleven of the seabirds sat upon the sea. Pale or speckled faced and throated juveniles appeared alongside the adults. Meanwhile, a Great Black Back Gull flew in figures of eight along the cliff face taking an interest in the other seabirds. Below the cave one of the Shag took a rest on the lowest ledge.
Pleasantly but not surprisingly colour was available thanks to the flowers of both Gorse and Daisy. Unfortunately, I disturbed a good score of Rock Doves which had been comfortably gathered upon the gully steps. However, just below the lighthouse the Jackdaws skimmed the path ahead of me as they headed to the seaward Tamarisk. In the lower depths of the Tamarisk stems I thought I spotted a Firecrest, which turned out to be a Goldfinch! Carrion Crows and Blackbirds flew up as I ascended Lighthouse Road. Both species gave out their alarm calls of course.
The noisy squawks peeling out from the Small Copse were from two Jays one of which was seen upon the leafless branches of a Sycamore. A pair of the other noisy birds, namely Magpies, flew up as I went to read the weather. A silent Heron appeared in the sky as I approached the Stevenson Screen. The visiting bird flew towards Durlston Bay resembling a Pterodactyl.