What a wonderful sun rise to accompany my walk this morning, this drew me towards the cliff tops where the large red orb was lifting above the horizon, as it did the pinky-orange light was catching the tops of the ripping waves, above which a Shag was skimming.
Half-way up the cliff, on the large ledge were over 100 Guillemots, these black and white birds have just arrived back to Durlston having spent the last 3 months at sea. Having moulted many are in ‘winter’ plumage with white heads, making them look quite different to their dark summer breeding markings.
On a rock outcrop a Peregrine Falcon was perched, its feathers ruffled in the breeze. Above me the sound of small migrants could be heard, as I scanned the skies a large flock of Pied Wagtails moved into view, the long tail and distinctive call enabling me to identify them.
A sudden whoosh, alongside a clap of wings saw a Peregrine swooping low, missing or disturbing a couple of Feral Pigeons at Tilly Whim before moving to harass a Carrion Crow near the Lighthouse.
A few Swallows high overhead, as were some flocks of Chaffinches, while landing in the tops of the Sallow about 35 Goldfinches, almost every twiggy branch had a small gold and red bird perch, instead of a leaf, which has now wilted and fallen.
Despite it being mid-October some flowers are still in bloom, down by the coast a few pale lilac Sea Asters on show, along with the tiny Wild Thyme and a couple of bright pink Centuarys. Also low to the ground the fluffy purple head of Black Knapweed alongside that of Stemless Thistle, which is also known as Dwarf Thistle and more amusingly Picnic Thistle – beware when sitting down on the grass!
Crawling across the ground a Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle, the long thin body suddenly altered as it raised it abdomen, arched over its back as if ready to attack.
Down by the Castle the Buddleia is in bloom, while in the Holm Oaks a few Goldcrests could at first be heard and then seen.
Seventhwave café is open today, why not pop in for cake or lunch?