I was lucky to catch some of the early sunlight, a shaft or two beaming down onto the water and as I watched a Robin, singing loudly and beautifully from the edge of a Wayfaring Tree, a beam highlighted the orange breast as if in a spotlight on stage.
Above Durlston Bay two birds were slowly rising, moving in large circles, their wings quite blunt, paler underneath, dark above, longish barred tails. These two Sparrowhawks using the warm thermal, probably a male and female as there was a distinct size difference between the two birds.
Despite the heavy rain of yesterday (just over 30mm : 1 ¼”) a few flowers were avoiding looking too bedraggled, with some pale and deep pink, bowl-like flowers of Fuchsias and some bright yellow Fleabane.
Looking a little the worse for wear was the tall Hemp Agrimony (the flower of this plant always look a bit dull), some Buddleia, as well as some pink Red Valerian.
Along the coast the sea getting choppier, and after some searching with my binoculars being buffeted in the wind, some glorious gleaming white Gannets appeared. Our largest seabird, the huge white wings skimming just above the crests of the waves. Continuing to watch, I was able to enjoy the sight of eight Gannets as they headed eastwards up the channel.
During this time not much else seen, however tumbling around the cliff tops a group of cackling Jackdaws, the wind seems to encourage them to practise their acrobatics!
The high pitched calls of Rock Pipits to be heard as they too strutted along the turf.
Overhead 2 Siskin were heard, the only sign of migration of note.
Ahead of me, a grey sheet of rain was visible, before I was engulfed and provided with a soaking!