Both our Pili and a Nature Nursery colleague still braved the wind and undertook their uphill commutes by bicycle this morning! Over the car park chattering Jackdaws battled against the wind. Later near the lighthouse whilst two Jackdaws perched upon the overhead telephone line they wisely huddled close to the telegraph pole.
Fresh Valerian leavers were protruded from the castle walls preparing to provide future butterfly nectar. Upon caravan terrace a super flush of yellow flowers were presented by Primroses. Meanwhile, the rock face gently dripped. Looking out to sea Durlston bay was filled with rolling waves and plenty of white water crashing into the rocky shore. Plenty of fluffy Sallow catkins were visible seawards from the terrace bridge. A Wren flew across the coast path between the scrub cover. From Durlston Head Old Harry was seen whilst off the head a Shag flew eastwards over the swell. Wave crests broke into sea spray. Holm Oak and Tamarisk clattered and creaked in the wind. Below the Globe there were plenty of fresh Greater Periwinkle leaves but no flowers yet. Upon the coast-path I found two windblown Welk Egg Cases which resembled bubble wrap type packaging. Off shore two Gannets headed west sweeping low over the waves close to shore. A Fulmar also swept over the swell but kept to its cliff side location. Whilst the cliff cave was empty five Guillemots were observed from leaving another sea cliff location. From the depth of the coastal scrub the alarm call of a Blackbird was heard. A pair of Herring Gull flew with bent wings beside the cliff top. A Rock Pipit was heard then seen keeping close to the cliff top grassland.
Upon commencing by descent down to the Gully Mouth the wind took my breath away and fortunately blew mean inland as I negotiated the bedrock steps. Waves crash into the Portland Limestone a sent sway upon onto the wave cut platform. Despite this a second Shag dove off shore from amongst the swell.
Two Peregrine Falcons headed west past the Lighthouse one being higher than the other. Upon the very windy “summit” of Lighthouse Green one ground hugging Stomach Fungi coped well in the wind. The roar of the wind was heard through the Sycamore beside Lighthouse Road Bridge. Beside Small Copse I struggled through the windblown field gate. At the castle I had to rescue a Herring Gull which had become trapped between the castellation and glass hand rail.