Yesterday as I cut paths through the Meadows, I enjoyed seeing Sainfoin in flower. The water bottle on the machine got so warm that its temperature was that of a cup of team. Already, today is warmer.
Today, three separate Dragonflies were seen hunting for smaller flying insects. Dragonfly larvae live in freshwater ponds for 2 years and the adults return to fly over the water for mating egg laying and find food. Also on the wing were Gatekeeper and Meadow Brown butterflies. I was confident that the less active butterflies amongst the dense path side Tor Grass were Lulworth Skippers. Our challenge, the grass encroaches upon the path, but the Lulworth Skippers lay their eggs on it….
I was pleased to see my “Hilt Wort” finally open with yellow flowers and pairs of join leaves. Most know this a Yellow Wort. Upon the gully slopes the sound of Grasshopper striations had begun.
Its calls were heard before a Peregrine Falcon was spotted flying west past the gully mouth. Offshore, upon a calm sea, came the almost “purring” sound of a sloop under motor in the absence of wind. Camouflaged Jackdaws, upon black chimney pots at the Lighthouse, were only noticed due to their “chuffing”.
Upon the dry cracked bare soil path patches near the centre several miniature volcano-like structure had been formed by burrowing insects. Probably Solitary Bees.
Both yellow flowered vetches, the Meadow Vetchling had slender leaves and flower clusters, whilst broad shield like leaves and individual flowers were those of Yellow Vetchling.
Pyramidal and Southern Orchids decorated at least South Field, whilst Bee Orchids still were found near Tilly Whim steps. Both the yellow Lady’s Bedstraw and white Hedge Bedstraw (not restricted to hedge!) were in bloom. Likewise, pea sized “pom, pom” flowers were Hops Vetch, small ones were Black Medic. Although a Gorse bush held no flower, miniature pale red flowers climbing amongst it belonged to Wild Madder.