Whilst at home I had to de-ice the car, the only frost I saw at Durlston was at the bottom shaded, damp corner of Long Meadow. However, Cat reported that both Taskers and Boys Brigade had crisp, crunchy coatings. The wildlife pond had not frozen!
A reliable Robin skirted the car park margins. There after it was predominantly a morning of pairs of birds. Two Carrion Crows communicated between the road traffic islands tree cover.
I walked into an icy breeze as went down long Meadow. Dog Wood had sputtered forth many small leaves. A Horse Chestnut showed both drooping leaves and upright green flower stems. A female Blackbird happily skimmed past. Beside the Fabersham Bench an Oak tree was still only showing buds. Meanwhile, an Ash tree had flowers peaking out of several of its dark buds. Spindle was in leaf with its distinctive bark. Amongst the fluffy catkins of a Willow were a pair Long Tailed Tits.
In the woodlands was the second encounter of a Magpie duo. The squawking call came from one seen in an Elm. Two Bluebell stems in flower were near the leaves and buds of Ramson. I enjoyed the scent of creosote from a neighbour’s garden. Green Woodpecker calls were exchanged between a pair. I scanned up the tall stems of the leafless mature tree’s still wearing only lichen and moss. The scent of fresh woodchip rose up from the path beside the Egyptian bench. The sound of a neighbour’s lawn mower was an appropriate accompaniment to the sunshine! Luckily it did not drown out the calls of an Oystercatcher crossing Durlston bay. A solo oarsman crossed Peveril ledges, as a literal water boatman, he was one of many fishing vessels heading west. Steam rose from the ashes of yesterdays work party bonfire.
A Buzzard spiralled upon a rising thermal over Durlston Bay. From the castle castellations I was able to count a score of Guillemots in a linear raft off shore. Meanwhile Buddleia showed fresh leaves and old dried flowers! Three Cornered Leek retained its white flowers whilst Rosemary showed its own.
Upon opening the Castle, a Raven was heard calling over Durlston Bay.