Rock Doves and crashing waves rose up from the gully mouth. The former, along with a Shag, flew east with the wind. A determined Herring Gull managed to head west. Throughout the gully there was a lot of “tweeting” from Little Brown Jobs! They hugged the ground and the wind influenced their flight paths. Durlston Head cliff face was also licked by briny waves, with only a Great Black Back Gull to be seen.
From the diagonal path a few Jackdaws were seen to be retreating from the sea cliffs and headed inland past the castle roof top. From a Hawthorn bush a male Great Tit exchanged echoing conversations with two others of its kind. It was pleasant to take calm shelter amongst the woodland cover. A creaking Sycamore, near the bus stop, had been responsible for much of the leaf fall which had block and drain a created the “not unusual” large puddle.
From the Brady Bench a good dozen gulls were seen upon the water in Durlston Bay. Later from the landslip a clear view established that these were Black Headed Gull, although displaying white heads with “cheek” dots. Near to them a Shag launched itself from the water surface in search of fish. An Apple Tree (still needing props and a path diversion), was stooped under to reach the Cuff bench. An unseen Jay squawked noisily from the Holm Oak cover. Looking towards Durlston Head amongst the steep grassy slope was a splay of soils and loose stone. I was uncertain as to how new this movement had been. Away from the slopes Swallows and House Martins hawked over the bay.
In the Pleasure Grounds I admired the excellent broad path / glade that spread before me. Already the tendrils of Blackberry had scrambled over several of the log piles. Amongst the ornamental “exotic” species from the Victorian planting were Cotoneaster and Snowberry that held fruits. Meanwhile, Pyracantha showed fruits where the coast path passed through the remains of Tilly Whim Inn / La Belle Vue. Small white fingers of fungi upon a log appeared to be a developing Candle Snuff. Cat reported a flash of colour thanks to a Green Woodpecker passing between the scrub blocks near the centre.