What a beautiful morning! Clear blue skies, brilliant sunshine and a gentle breeze rustling through the golden leaves of Sycamores, as the sun sparkles on a gently lapping sea.
Overhead, dozens of twittering charms of Goldfinches flutter through the air, or drop, to feed on dry Teasels, Wild Carrot and Wild Parsnip heads, the bright morning sunshine gleaming on their crimson and gold plumage.
Siskins, Woodpigeons, Starlings and a few Fieldfares also on their way through, along with 6 Redwing.
Seen, rather than heard, a few snatches of the sweet notes of a passing Skylark, along with the less musical croaks of Jays.
As I strolled along the top of the Lighthouse Field, a Grey Heron flapped ponderously overhead, heading towards the sea – an unusual sighting for Durlston!
Looking down on the Gully, I was treated to a fantastic view of a Sparrowhawk, as he jinked and swerved his way all the way from Tilly Whim before disappearing round the corner near the Lighthouse. A Kestrel out hunting in the meadows is chased off by a Crow.
Down on the cliffs, lots of Guillemots on the ledges and on the water below as they revisit their summer breeding grounds. Rock Pipits dart around the clifftop, with lots of noisy activity from a pair of Ravens.
Also seen this morning, a Green Woodpecker, bobbing its way along Long Meadow (while our bird ringers ringed 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers. As I write, a noisy squabble is taking place amongst a flock of House Sparrows as they jostle for position in a Buddleia.
Still lots of colour in the hedgerows, with the fruits of Dog Rose, Bryony and Hawthorn all looking fantastic in the morning sunshine, surrounded by silver traceries of Old Man’s Beard. At the foot of the hedges the seeds of Stinking Iris add dashes of bright orange.5.2
Our cows have their heads down and are happily grazing in South Field, with a Jackdaw strolling along one of their backs!