Today, being the penultimate in National Whale & Dolphin Watch Week meant I spent time upon the cliff tops. A local couple reported seeing a Seal in Durlston Bay at 07: 30. From near “Rest & Admire”. there was a clear view of the Isle of Wight. The low tide meant that Sea Kelp occasionally peeped above the waves. Meanwhile, the ‘sea spaghetti’ or Thongweed Phaeophyta could be seen through the clear water at the rocky shoreline. A Magpie and Jay flew up and called near the Dell.
White and Pink Valerian flowers joined the Buddleia flowers by the castle. Old Man’s Beard flowers had emerged with their “eyelashes”. Briefly a trio of chattering Goldfinches shared a Hawthorn perch with a Wood Pigeon and Whitethroat. There were to be plenty of fishing pot markers in the Bay and along the cliffs. Fishing vessel FY851 and E499 passed by to focus on pots further afield. It was a delight to see a Peregrine Falcon near the observation point. It was to take of a fly several circuits over the sea before landing again. Then I had clear close views as it preened high above the empty Guillemot cave. I was surprised at the number of Cormorants with their white throats. A quartet preened on a low ledge near Durlston Head, another two on a low ledge by the Observation Point whilst another was above them halfway up the cliff.
Buff Tailed Bumblebees visited Hemp Agrimony flowers. A Marble White appeared from Red Clover at the coast path edge. A trio of Solitary Bees hovered over bare soil. As I approached Tilly Whim, I heard, then saw a pair of as they Raven flew east. On the short Rabbit grazed turf crawled a Bloody-nosed Beetle.
On Tilly Whim wave cut platform there were puddles with the succulents Rock Samphire and Golden Samphire in bloom. The latter was joined by a few delicate Sea Lavender at the gully mouth. Nearby the male of a Stonechat pair called. No whales or dolphins seen by me today. The Café is closed today but will open from tomorrow for a takeaway service only (other than existing bookings).