Yesterday, three Sika Deer leaped over the very fence line that we were working upon, on the old tip. I believe a couple of House Martins raced past us as did one near the Lighthouse this morning.
Today I went in search of Early Spider Orchids having recently seen great numbers in flower near Dancing Ledge. My first Durlston such flower was near and between the Mile Markers. It stood four inches tall and showed one flower. Then next one was just below the Lighthouse and held three flowers despite looking slightly trampled. Lighthouse Green had several more Early Spider Orchids on rather short stems, with only a few flowers showing.
Sea Campion blooms were at the foot of a Lighthouse wall and a cluster of Bluebells were at the south east corner. Near Tilly Whim the sweet scent of Gorse flower was most strong. Bumble Bees were seen and heard but other burrowing bees’ existence was evidenced by their empty chambers only. At the gully mouth honey like combe of the baked clay exhibit past insect dwellings.
Initially a Raven occupied each of the Mile Marker posts before exchanging calls and perching together. Gargling calls drew me to the sea cliffs. A Raft of some thirty Guillemots was upon the sea whilst the cave ledge was busy enough for eight birds having to perch upon the sloping boulder surface. A fishing pot marker buoy was close to Tilly Whim wave cut platform. Further off shore a well loaded container vessel headed west. Jackdaws appeared mainly as pairs, with one of such a couple, being seen transporting nest material seawards. Rock Pipits and Rock Doves were close the coast path whilst Herring Gulls mostly flew east this morning.
Within a crack in the baked clay a tight Bracken stem was yet to uncoil. Nearby a few short stems resembled mini “triffids” with the fronds not yet fully formed. Harts Tongue Fern, with tips still curled, were more attractive.
Near Lighthouse Road Bridge a Song Thrush broadcast. The fresh leaves within an Ash tree were not its own but those of Old Man’s Beard anchored within its branches. Approaching the Small Copse, a Pheasant’s cock crow rung out.
The two discarded cans I collected occasionally creaked in my pocket as I walked! Near the Centre a Rabbit went scuttling into cover. Mounted on the building a nest box was visited by a Blue Tit. Of course there was Skylark song too!