At 7am I stepped out into the darkness walking into storm Christoph. I would survive the commute but would not recommend repeating it today. The streetlights illuminated light rainfall and a male Blackbird crossed the road. Beside Langton House the drainage ditch trickled and gurgled away whilst the wind whistle trough the trees. The meadow beside Spyway car park was past over by six ghostlike Herring Gulls. On the firm track surface, I simply had to avoid milky puddles. Crossing a stile into a field I walk straight into the wind towards the coast. On the very slippery and wet upper coast path I welcomed the occasional wind break provided by Gorse. At least the wind blew inland! Today St Alban’s Head was a silhouette in the mist.
Upon reaching Durlston the walking pole was packed away, then binoculars and spectacles came out. One solo Carrion Crow flew up from the grassy, bomb cratered plateau of field three. Blackthorn and Elder shook in the wind. was a surprise to see a black Labrador with glowing blue collar! I only heard the cackle of a hidden Magpie. I heard the croak of a Raven before a pair of the birds flew overhead as we approached Lighthouse Bridge. I checked on the Early Spider Orchid basal rosettes on Lighthouse Green it being too early for flowers. A Meadow Pipit flitted low amongst the grass, Bramble tendrils and cow pats. Amongst the Lighthouse buildings the wind howled through the wires.
Wave crashed into the cliff face beneath Tilly Whim ledge leaving froth upon the sea. Due to the high flight (at coast path level) I assumed it was a Cormorant the flew east over the sea. Gannets were active off Anvil Point possibly circling with immature birds amongst them. Gannets continued to be a feature up to and including Durlston Head. At times Guillemots were seen amongst them as well another grey sea bird of a size between the two. A Shag flew west low over the waves. A Herring Gull investigated an otherwise empty Guillemot cave. However, from the cliff cervices and hidden ledges nearby Guillemots were seen to head out sea at times joining the Gannets. At the caravan terrace the rock face had is steady dripping waterfalls with Primroses in bloom nearby. Two Daffodils were in flower outside the castle. Beside Lighthouse Road the Cherry Plum had signs of its buds beginning to open. Luckily the heavy rain held off until I reached the office!