As I went to check on the cows, who were moved into field 10a (the one to the west of the lighthouse) yesterday, a Kestrel was hovering above me, faint quivering of its wings and tail to control its position superbly.
On a clump of Nettle was a collection of tiny caterpillars, the black slightly spiky bodies of the Peacock butterfly, which feeds on the leaves.
The fields awash with white, yellow and pink flowers making for a gorgeous spectacle, as they gently wave in the breeze. Swathes of the white Ox-eye Daisies, with Bulbous Buttercups and Hay Rattle adding mush of the yellow, along with Black Medic and Bird’s-foot Trefoil. While the pink comes from the long pointed Sainfoin, the more rounded Southern Marsh Orchids and the paler Common Spotted Orchids.
The occasional brilliant pink of the Grass Vetchling contrasts with the deeper Common Vetch, while Red Clover and a Bee Orchid add to the magnificent mix.
The tall purple of Wild Clary now at its best (not the showiest of plants), while the Wild Roses are coming out providing delicate pinks amongst the hedgerows alongside Hogweed, whose round white umbels seem very tall this year.
On the other extreme, I searched for the Early English Gentian, to spot only one where last week 1 saw 10, but while looking I noticed patches of pink Wild Thyme, the white flowers of Eyebright - which have purple stripes on the petals, the bright yellow Horseshoe Vetch and the tiny white Bastard Toadflax, just starting to emerge. This flower is also known as Stars in the Grass!
Clambering across the leaves of Woody Nightshade was Greater Bloody-nosed Beetle, its slow clockwork style movement always keep me entertained for a moment!
From above the wheezing call of a Greenfinch, looking up this bird was perched amongst the white flowers of an Elder. A quick glimpse of a Common Whitethroat and a Chiffchaff, plus a male Blackcap added to the mornings list.
To see how the Guillemots are getting on – have a look at our website Guillemots | Durlston Country Park