Into the early hour’s engineers worked on restoring the two broken powerlines that feed the Country Park. This morning I arrived to the sight and sound of a large generator in the car park. At least the castle could open.
Light levels were low as the sun was obscure by cloud which float above the horizon. It took until 8:50 for the sun to rise above the cloud and cast my shadow. Above the cloud vapour trails cut into a clear blue sky. Waves rumble and white froths was at the sea cliff foot. Sixty Guillemot occupied their cave ledge whilst one of three Greater Black Backed Gulls took in turns perching above them. Waves rolled eastwards beyond Durlston Head. A pair of Herring Gulls perched on a stone protruding from the head. Near the Head the cliff face was washed by colliding waves and spray drifted up to the observation point. Jackdaws perched quietly amongst the Tamarisk. Some three separate Shags passed low over the sea.
Near the Gully Mouth a Rock Pipit appeared before I set up some thirty to forty Rock Doves that were on the inland side of the bedrock steps. I was surprised to hear the rumbling roar and see the waterspout from the blow holes as it was not a strong swell. I crossed our electric fence line, still in place in case we need to return the cattle from eight acres. The gully was most quiet. A pair of Carrion Crow called as the flew overhead. Eventually a quartet of Goldfinch were seen near the road bridge. From near Saxon’s Soggy Sycamore Corner, the Cock Crow of a Pheasant rang out. Blackbirds, Robins, Blue Tits and Great Tits bean to chatter and call as the sun revealed itself. On the wildlife garden fence a trio of House Sparrows perched.