This morning Chiffchaffs sound out across a damp and dew covered park. I head out along the top of the ridge towards the far west side of the park to check on our Hereford Cattle who have recently returned to Durlston with their calves. Goldfinch overhead and a Dunnock singing nearby
The top of Lighthouse Field is brimming with Yellow Rattle and the Spittlebugs which amass foam around the leaves. A few Swallows appear from over the slope, dancing their way through the sky as they soap, dip, and dive.
More Chiffchaffs sounding across the top of Field 10. where just yesterday I saw a Green Hairstreak butterfly (my first one at Durlston since 2017!). Plenty of Adonis Blue, Small Heath, and Dinghy Skipper were found along the transect, though no where to be seen this morning - await the Sunshine no doubt!
Good numbers of Common Spotted Orchids are now in flower, along the beautiful Sainfoin, and tall dainty stems of Pale Flax. Along the field boundaries, the scrub has resumed to a rich green where much if the Gorse and Mayflower blossom has gone over.
The Skylark song provides a useful reminder to stick to the footpaths to not disturb their chicks, whilst the abundance of Ticks provide a useful deterrent.
A cool breeze picks up as I descend towards the cows. Splashes of the blue Chalk Milkwort are found between yellows of Buttercup and Horseshoe Vetch frolicking in the wind. I’m pleased to find the right number of Cattle, given that two calves appeared missing yesterday.
I find myself slipping and sliding on my return along the coast path; boots weighted down with mud. It’s worth the effort though – as I enjoy seeing a couple of Linnet and a Stonechat pause atop the barbed wire fence, and Meadow Pipits dancing along the slopes.