At first there was only one, then three then nine House Martins over Durlston Bay. Yesterday, the wind had brought them to fly right outside the castle entrance to resemble day flying bats! One House Martin briefly entered the castle to rest upon a projector!
Today’s flowers were a few Red Valerian and Buddleia beside the castle. White Valerian showed near Durlston Head, whilst Sea Aster had a few flowers by the Globe steps and Tilly Whim steps. At the latter location a few yellow Gorse flowers were seen. Amongst the cliff top Tamarisk, dry Teasel stems stood beside Stinking Iris showing fruits. Above the globe the tall stem of a Greater Mullein stood proud whilst Rock Samphire protruded from between the dry-stone wall crevices. It was between the Mile Markers that Field Scabious was seen whilst amongst tall grass by the Learning Centre one Ox Eye Daisy flower bloom was noted. Cliff top Holm Oaks held acorns whilst some Wayfaring Tree leaves were changing with dark shades seeping in from the leaf edges.
Across Durlston Bay the sea gently rippled as a pair of Raven flew over the castle croaking. Rounding the Head, a Peregrine Falcon call was noted. On the head deposits of the cliff top below the globe the predator perched facing west where there was Rock Dove and Jackdaw activity. However, the bird appeared to be looking inland from where easier smaller prey might arrive. Eagle eyed Hamish noted the passage of some Brent Geese and reported 100 Siskin, a Tree Pipit and a Fiercest amongst other sightings. Upon the cliff top dry-stone wall above Tilly Whim ledge, a Wheatear perched upon a cap stone. The ledge below held what were likely to have been rainfall rockpools. Later when measure yesterday’s rain a Spider was released from it confines whilst upon the surface tension of the water.
Of shore a Wight Link ferry strangely headed towards Weymouth! Less unusual going that way were five Gannets, including one immature bird. Three Shag, a pair of Greater Black Backed Gulls and immature Herring Gulls also went that way. Two sailing boats passed at the Head but only that heading east being propelled by sail. Deer slots indicated that Roe Deer had travelled upslope beside the Mile Markers. A few unidentified insects were seen upon the wing whilst two separate Dor Beetles seeking out cowpats the devour.