Another morning of mist! Nevertheless, both Goldfinch and Robin greeted me. Would I find flowering Early Spider Orchids, as some have been reported within Purbeck. Sun managed to pierce low cloud and reflected off a patch of sea. From castle wood a Song Thrush broadcasted whilst the foot of the garden fence was explored by a Magpie.
Beside Lighthouse Road white buds were visible upon Blackthorn. Cattle grazing enabled several Hairy Violets to be seen upon a downland slope. Together, a Whitethroat duo flew off.
Apple buds were beginning to open also roadside. Woodpigeon fled the bridge Sycamore whilst a Jackdaw remained. It was a treat to see the second Song Thrush nearby. With that in mind, the Garden Snail that was upon the short turf of lighthouse Green struck me as being exposed and vulnerable. No orchids here, the must have been further west on NT land. Ruby berries were still held by the gully Holly.
White flowers of Scurvy Grass formed a mat on slopes either side of the Gully Mouth. My shadow was cast thanks to another sun beam. Indeed, the mist was breaking and with blue sky a fresh vapour trail was being created.
Twenty Guillemot flew from the cliffs a landed upon the sea. In fact, near 100 of the birds were in a rough linear raft stretching from the cliffs. Wing beats and swashing water indicated some preening. Despite this 20, remained in the cave ledge. Dripping was heard from the depth of Tilly Whim’s passageway. Hamish reported Pied Wagtail, Siskin, and Meadow Pipits amongst his initial sightings. Goat plot presented Greenfinch calls and Wren trilling. In castle wood I would see a calling Chiff Chaff, a inches long fresh Wild Madder growth. Sycamore buds seemed somewhat cigar like. A glance caught the white flowers of Three Cornered Leek beside the castle approach. A Pheasant was heard near Long Meadow whilst a Chaffinch explored the wet and muddy base of a Holm Oak. Dried masts were held by an Ash.