I was surprised to see two of the Stour Valley Ringing Group active in the mist. I would visit them later. I followed other footprints in the clay towards the walling centre. The silhouettes of Jackdaws and Woodpigeon in flight were seen just beyond. The lower mile marker was just visible below it partner. Upon the downland a cluster of five empty Holm Oak acorn cups was found. As I ventured into the Goat Plot a Cock Pheasant and a Grey Squirrel scampered through the grassland. A Song Thrush broadcasted nearby, then a second Pheasant noisily took to flight.
Beside the lowest mile marker, the feint wail of the breeze was heard passing through the structure. Visibility was much better upon the cliff top coast path. Some fifty Guillemot occupied their cliff cave. They could be heard gargling, and many flew out from the cliffs. Initially only a dozen was seen upon the water but eventually thirty were counted. Some of the birds preened or dived deep below. There were only a few showing white cheeks. Shortly after a Shag departed the cliff another returned from an opposing direction. High above the Guillemots a Peregrine Falcon perched facing east upon the cliff edge. A score of Rock Doves may have been sent upon by a passing Raven. A score of fast-moving Racing Pigeons sent another dozen Rock Doves into flight. Water droplets dangled from the needles of Tamarisk. Below the branches a carpet of Wild Madder swamped the grass. Over the cliff edge tussocks of Thrift resembled cushions. Fifteen Jackdaws perched in Tamarisk branches beside the observation point, for a bit…
A Robin was upon the coast path as I approached Durlston Head. From here Peveril Point was visible. Hamish reported Redwings and Siskins have been seen. A male Blackbird observed from Sloe bearing branches near the Dell. Beneath a Wren explored. From the terrace Peveril Point was now engulfed in mist. It was a surprise to see Marjoram and Primrose in flower. Self-Heal, Common Daisy and Mexican Daisy (Castle entrance walls) also bloomed. Today I saw berries upon both Bay and St. Johns Wort. Walking back to the centre I travelled under bows laden with acorns and others that were empty. The bird ringing duo reported only Redwing and a Jay having been caught. Today marked the end of their 10th season at Durlston. Over this time some thirty-three thousand birds have been rung. This year Goldfinch numbers have been high.