It was a rather calm and still start to the day. The cloud cover was such that all the Isle of Wight could be seen. St. Catherine’s Point Lighthouse gave a dazzling flash paling neighbouring Needles and Anvil Point Lighthouses into insignificance. Both Peveril Ledges were exposed and the red marker buoy blinked. A red hulled crabbing vessel was active in the calm of Durlston Bay. “Happy Hooker II” raced west of Durlston Head keen for some angling action, whilst a solo oarsman dropped pots along Durlston coast up to Tilly Whim.
Today I heard the flight of some of the Guillemots as they arced in close to the cliffs before disappearing out to sea again. No seabirds were within the cave but some twenty were counted in flight. A Great Black Backed Gull sat upon the water keeping an eye on a nearby pot marker buoy. Two other such birds examined the wave cut platform of Tilly Whim whilst others passed by. At least three Shag were seen whilst only one paused upon the sea.
Meanwhile, back upon land Jays were unusually present today. One or two Jays chose to cross back and forth between caravan terrace and coast path. At the terrace the rock face dripped gently, whilst the fresh leaves of Primroses had appeared upon the ground from which where scrub had been cleared. Upon the slopes below the coast path there was an exchange between a Wren and a Robin, the later benefitting from broadcasting from Sycamore leaders. Blue Tits were most visible today amongst the Hawthorn.
Of course, the Grey Squirrels pounced and caused branches to bounce and flex amongst the woodland cover. One Squirrel’s vocalisation sounded like a cross between a mewing cat and a bleating sheep! I believe I may have heard a Tawny Owl from amongst the evergreen tree cover beside the castle. I have certainly been hearing them between dusk and dawn at home. A duo of Magpies loitered about the castle rooftop whilst a two Carrion Crow occupied one of the Belvedere chimneys. Perhaps it was the same pair that later perched upon a Mile Marker each. A charm of chattering Goldfinches rang out their calls from Reservoir Copse.