Yesterday’s Purbeck Partnership Volunteer work party finished of the removal of the “forgotten” bale remains in South Field. One Slow Worm had been briefly disturbed, whilst today Blackbirds turned over any remaining debris. Today, I passed a Whitethroat that sang out from one bare Ash branch that poke up and out of a leafy crown. A pair of Swallows passed over the meadow, whilst at ground level clear seed pods had developed upon Hay Rattle. Two Magpies passed the Hay Rake where the Early English Gentians had their flowers closed. Fleabane leaves indicated damp ground whilst Cuckoo Spit, protecting Leaf Hopper nymphs.
The distinctive heads of False Oat Grass and Quaking Oat Grass were noted, however, planted grass suggested a Deer form. A duo of Carrion Crow landed up a dry-stone wall. The first began to tear apart something it had carried in its beak. The second, possibly a juvenile, had a white mark upon each wing. Today Jackdaws were being flushed from the coastal downland by a Carrion Crow, this meant a Herring Gull had sole occupancy upon the Lighthouse roof. Honeysuckle bloomed amongst host plants. I investigated and odd thing, which turned out to be one of the Blue Butterflies. Its wings were closed, and it was “sleeping” due to the absence of sun light. Hamish reported Yellow Hammer and Sedge Warbler. I was delighted to get my first look at this year’s Bee Orchids, initially by the measured mile markers then one near to Tilly Whim steps. Joy! A Buff Tailed Bumble Bee buzzed from with a Gorse bush.
A checked in on the seabirds and enjoyed the most bird activity of the morning before ascending under castle wood cover. A carpet of Ivy was pierce by saplings of Ash, Sycamore, Hawthorn as well as Harts Tongue Fern with fronds not yet completely uncurled.