A damp and drizzly early patrol forced me into the woods on the Tramper, where the sound of Green Woodpeckers was a noisy accompaniment, eventually two seen as they flew with their  characteristic undulating movement from the branches of the Small-leaved Lime to those of a Plane.

Also squawking loudly were 2 Jays, flashes of pink and blue catching the eye as they moved amongst the leaves of a Field Maple.

Reaching one of the viewpoints, a quick watch of the sea provided wonderful views of a string of 3 Gannets.  The stunning white wings with black tips showing as they skimmed above the grey water.  Calling from Durlston Bay were 4 Sandwich Terns, their delicate bodies contrasting with the bulkier Black-headed Gulls and Herring Gulls also in the vicinity.

A number of Common Whitethroats spotted today, one making a most unusual short rasping sound another sounding very like two stones rubbing together – very similar to a Stonechat! – how confusing!  Later just to reinforce the identification a Stonechat was seen and heard.

Last night was the Glow-worm walk, on which 11 of these amazing green glowing beetles were counted, while a couple of Pipistrelle Bats were also seen.  While also last night a report of Fox cubs in the woods – this would be the second litter seen this year.

The light raindrops have covered the Tamarisk on the coast path in a silvery sheen, while the cobwebs of the Spiders on the Gorse have been made to stand out by the covering of water droplets.

Clumps of bright red berries of the Wayfaring Tree standing out beautifully from the thick slightly greyish leaves, while the Honeysuckle, and a mass of white flowers of Privet and Old Man’s Beard is now in bloom.

Little in terms of insects about early on although Hoverflies, including Scaeva pyrastri were busy sipping nectar from Hemp Agrimony and Wild Parsnip, and tucked at the bottom of a grass stem was a Common Blue and on another a Lulworth Skipper.

Today's diary written by Katie Black

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	20.7
Min Temperature (c)	14.9
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	W 10 25
Pressure (mbars)	997
Rainfall (mm)	5.0

A calm still morning with a patchwork of thick cloud across the park with many animals seeming to respond to the humid conditions by staying elusive.

However one bird that really gives its location away is the cock Pheasant as if honks his call from the large peaceful copse

Butterflies remaining on the wing however include Wall and Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Small Blue and still a constant  stream of Gatekeepers flying through most habitats.

All across the meadows and downs purple flowers are slowly starting to dominate with a blend of colours from Tufted Vetch, Field Scabious, Red Bartsia, Rest Harrow, Woolly Thistle, Spear Thistle, Slender Thistle and one remaining Pyramidal Orchid which still looks amazingly fresh.

Through the gully a few migrants are beginning to appear including a single Willow Warbler and a Reed Warbler. Other birds amongst the gully include Greenfinch, Linnet, Stonechat, Wren, Green Woodpecker, Blackbird and a small flock of busy Blue Tits.

As the mill pond like waters of the still sea gently lap against the rocks below Tilly Whim caves a Peregrine harasses a Rock Dove, which displays a marvellous example of how agile they can be in the air when it comes to escaping their nemesis’s sharp talons.

Far out at sea a few seabirds glide above the glass like water including 15 Common Scoter, 14 flying West and 1 East, 6  Manx Shearwater and 1 Gannet Both flying West. 

Just of Durlston point Sandwich Terns noisily see off another Peregrine with their amazingly acrobatic flight showing the hungry predator that they are too fit and strong to be breakfast today.

Back up at the centre a Hummingbird Hawkmoth hovers between the enticing fragrant blooms of lavender just outside the Rangers office.

Every wanted to see one of Britain’s greatest natural wonders? Then come and join us this evening to see Glow Worms at Durlston and discover more about these fascinating insects.

                                 Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	20.0
Min Temperature (c)	12.4
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	E 1 23
Pressure (mbars)	1001
Rainfall (mm)	0

Another warm and glorious start to the day with the sky a deep rich blue, spotted with wispy cirrus clouds.

On arrival at the centre the long grasses and bushes teem with Gatekeeper butterflies, their numbers seeming to increase everyday. A Green Woodpecker bursts from the high canopy delivering its famous yaffle as it flies off.

Through the woodland down to the coastal path a Grey Squirrel leaps across the trail and up to the safety of a tree. Further down the path signs of a Fox from last night are left in the form of its scat (poo), easily recognised by its size and twisted point at one end.

Along the coastal path wonderful views out to a calm azure blue sea showed 8 Gannets including 3 Juveniles, as well as Shag, Cormorant, Sandwich Tern, Fulmar and Herring gull. Along the clifftop a fantastic view of a female Sparrowhawk as she flew up the face of the cliff landing on the stone wall a few metres in front of me.

Other birds noted this morning through the gully and along the hedgerows included Greenfinch, Linnet, Wren, Dunnock, Pied Wagtail, Swift and a Peregrine passing over.

A beautiful blend of yellows, whites and pinks across the meadows and downs at present with Field Scabious, Agrimony, Tufted Vetch, Rest Harrow, Yellow Rattle, Teasel, Greater Knapweed , Wild Carrot and Parsnip and the wonderfully smelling Rock Samphire, Common Fleabane and Golden Samphire all in bloom.

Feeding on the sea of blooms across the park is an army of butterflies including Marbled White, Peacock, Red Admiral, Brown Argus, Small, Common and Adonis Blue, Lulworth Skipper, plus Wall and Meadow brown to name a few.

Other insects of note this morning included a variety of bees feeding on Bramble included Buff-tailed and Red-tailed bumblebee and many Honeybees. As well as lots of Hoverflies including Scaeva pyrastri with its zebra like cream and black markings.

7-spot Ladybirds were also noted crawling along the slowly warming stone walls this morning.

                                  Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	21.2
Min Temperature (c)	12.1
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	NW 6 24
Pressure (mbars)	1002
Rainfall (mm)	0

A lovely morning, with the gold and bronze grasses on the downs shimmering in the brilliant sunshine, with shiny Carline Thistles dazzlingly bright points.

A warm and humid start to the night last night, meaning a good variety of species in moth traps at the Visitor Centre and in the woodland – 59 species of macro-moth identified altogether. Among the most eye-catching, spectacular pink and green Small Elephant Hawk Moths, giant Poplar Hawkmoths, colourful Magpie Moths, Brimstones, large, hairy Drinkers, Grass and Small Emeralds and a couple of Ruby Tigers.

Other species included Pretty Chalk Carpet, July Highflyer, Scallop Shell, Brussels Lace, Shuttle-shaped Dart, Smoky Wainscot, Shuttle-shaped Dart and Engrailed (aren’t moth names great!). Most numerous were more than 60 Dark Arches, 30 Yellow Underwings and 30+ Buff Footmen. To get to know a few of these species better, why not come along and ‘Meet a Moth’ on the 2^nd August at 10.30am?

A great time of year for butterflies too, with a good range seen during the morning rounds. 2 raggedy Commas bustle along a hedgerow near the Large Copse, a Dark Green Fritillary wanders across the Car Parks, while in the meadows and downs, Common Blue, Small Blue, Holly Blue, Speckled Wood, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Peacock, Red Admiral, Lulworth Skipper, Small Skipper and Large and Small White seen.

Other insects included Field and Meadow Grasshoppers, Great Green Bush-crickets, Soldier Beetles, and a huge variety of hoverflies.

Still plenty of flowers to enjoy, with the purples starting to dominate (Field Scabious, Knapweed, Greater Knapweed, Woolly Thistle, Teasel, Stemless Thistle and Red Bartsia). Mats of pink Restharrow sprawl across the short turf, with some vibrant patches of yellow Toadflax still looking very fresh.

Bubbling screeches echo around the Lighthouse Field, as a pair of young Kestrels wheel and hunt, returning to the telephone wires to scan the field below.  

Today's diary written by Ali Tuckey

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	21.5
Min Temperature (c)	13.3
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	NW 8 21
Pressure (mbars)	1005
Rainfall (mm)	0

A muggy sort of morning with a few patches of sunshine poking through the clouds early on, which have now completely blanketed the sky.

The ‘psit-psit’ call of a Yellow Wagtail greeted my approach from its vantage point on the aerial of the Visitor Centre.

The early sun was being enjoyed by a myriad of invertebrates, especially along any eastern-facing scrub patch or hedgerow. Dozens of Gatekeeper butterflies could be seen along with Large White, Small White and Wall Brown all making appearances in numbers.

Further along amongst the Bramble flowers were lots of Soldier Beetles, White-tailed Bumble Bees and Hoverflies, many being pursued by a couple of rather clumsy young Common Whitethroat.

Flitting around the long grasses and Wild Parsnip plants were several Willow Warblers, a bird easily confused with the more common Chiffchaff.

The signs of autumn are gathering with the Haws starting to turn red and the first of the Sloes turning from green to purple.

A move onto the downland revealed more butterflies with Adonis and Common Blue, Marbled White, Meadow Brown and a Silver-washed Fritillary.

 Today's diary written by Ben Wallbridge

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	26.2
Min Temperature (c)	16.7
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 6 26
Pressure (mbars)	1004
Rainfall (mm)	0

An inspiring and beautiful morning here at Durlston National Nature Reserve with the sun high in the sky delivering a warming sun of 21.5 °c across the grasslands, woodlands and clifftops.

A stroll through the meadows proved to be most enjoyable with early morning insects abounding. Over the top of the now golden fields huge swarms of Soldier Beetles, Hoverflies and midges are under attack by agile and efficient Swallows that circle the meadows, scooping up their airborne breakfast.

The onset of the warm temperatures produces a quick response from the wonderful array of butterflies to be found here. A baking dry stone wall in Johnston meadow with its fringed vegetation displayed Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Wall Brown, Small, Common and Adonis Blue as well as a beautiful Brown Argus. Elsewhere Small and Large White plus Small, Large and Lulworth Skippers were seen fluttering amongst the grasslands.

Wild Flowers to be found across the meadows and downland this morning include Agrimony, Field Bindweed, Greater Knapweed, Birds-foot Trefoil, Field Scabious. The now dry skeletal frames of Yellow Rattle can be seen (or even heard) as the pods containing seeds gently rattle in the breeze, waiting to be set free.

Also of note is the bright red berries of Lords-and-ladies (or Cuckoo-pint) that clearly stands out amongst the green vegetation.

Along the gully a small flock of Long-tailed tits call as they make their way through the undergrowth. Other birds to be found around the gully include Stonechat, Greenfinch, Linnet and Chaffinch with Peregrines above delivering their high pitched screams.

The coastal path down to Durlston head will be closed this morning for building work, however the globe will still be accessible via the diagonal path leading to the clifftop top trail.

Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	22.5
Min Temperature (c)	15.9
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	S 9 23
Pressure (mbars)	1003
Rainfall (mm)	0

Amongst the blanket of fog that holds the park within a grey grip, light rain attempts to cover the parched vegetation that yearns for a good soaking.

Across the grasslands around the centre a few Rabbits graze the short turf, whilst being watched by a small flock of curious Crows. Around the weather station a drab juvenile Green Woodpecker circles whilst delivering it laugh like call.

Walking past the hedges that buffer the meadows Bramble flowers are still tempting Gatekeeper butterflies that are keen to feed despite the wet conditions.

The slightly softer ground has given Mining bees impetus to excavate more holes that can be found scattered across the pathways across the downs.

Birds abound throughout the gully with adults and juveniles a plenty, including Dunnock, Robin, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Stonechat and Siskin to name a few.

With the occasional shaft of light breaking through the rising fog a plethora of flowers shine across the downland, including Wild Carrot, Wild Parsnip, Common Toadflax, Restharrow, Greater Knapweed, Hemp Agrimony and a Woolly Thistle.

High above the downland amongst the mist a Juvenile Peregrine screams its piercing call to a parent bird near by.

Dropping down to the Clifftop trial the fog seems to lift and the coastal waters become clear showing a few seabirds such as Fulmar, Herring gull, Sandwich Tern, Shag, plus an adult and juvenile Gannet slightly further out, crisis-crossing between the early morning yachts.

Much to see and do at Durlston today with our Life on the Limestone guided walk, which explores the rich variety of wildlife to be found amongst our grasslands. Also Butterflies at Durlston with artist Caroline Parrott who requires help making a giant swarm of metal butterflies for the centre grounds.

                                 Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	20.1
Min Temperature (c)	14.2
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 8 21
Pressure (mbars)	1004
Rainfall (mm)	0.1

After ten days in the pine forests and mountains of Mallorca, the Park looks pretty lush and green by contrast! Always nice to see the small changes in the wildlife which have happened in just a few days.

Gatekeepers abound along the hedgerows, orange and brown, a little like a tiny version of a Meadow Brown, which are also out in force, although Marbled Whites are by far the most numerous butterfly species at the moment. Many species are reappearing, as their second brood hatches, with some fresh-looking Small Blues and Common Blues in the meadows. A Wall basks, appropriately on a dry-stone wall on the downs, and a Red Admiral bustles among the nectar-rich flowers of Hemp Agrimony.

Look out for a dazzling display of aluminium butterflies outside the Visitor Centre – the creations of artist Caroline Parrot, who will be adding more, with the help of visitors every Sunday throughout the summer holidays.

Thistles and their relatives are attracting lots of attention from insects. 3 Buff-tailed Bumble Bees gather nectar from the majestic flowers of Woolly Thistle, red and black Soldier Beetles crawl among the petals of Greater Knapweed, with Spear Thistle, Stemless Thistle, purple-fringed Burdock and the curious spiky flowers of Teasels also in full bloom.

Plenty of other flowers to enjoy, including Burnet Saxifrage, Hedge and Lady’s Bedstraw, Restharrow, Marjoram and Great Mullein to name just a few – for more birds, butterflies and wildlife, why not join the ‘Life on the Limestone’ guided walk at 10.30am tomorrow?

Some strong early sunshine has brought a Common Lizard out to bask on the wall along the Clifftop Trail, his body flattened to soak up the sunshine. Down below the Observation point, a pair of Peregrine Falcons wheel in and out from the cliffs, before heading off together round Durlston Head, shattering the air with their blood-curdling screeching.

Today's diary written by Ali Tuckey

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	19.4
Min Temperature (c)	13.1
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	WNW 6 20
Pressure (mbars)	1010
Rainfall (mm)	0

 

A mixture of sunshine and clouds today, but the thicker low cloud had now burnt off and it is pleasantly warm. Unless of course you are on the chalk ridge east of Corfe, which is still notably shrouded by thick white cloud.

A most enjoyable early rounds today with beautiful weather and a  fantastic array of wildlife to enjoy. Walk along any sheltered hedgerow or Bramble patch and you are almost certain to come across Gatekeeper butterflies. These medium-sized orange and brown butterflies have a dark ‘eye’ on the upper wing with two white dots on them. Their other name is a Hedge Brown, and both names refer to their favoured habitat of hedgerows and sunny gateways with lots of tall vegetation and Bramble or Ragwort nearby to feed on.

Out on the meadows and downland clouds of Marbled White butterflies take  to the wing on your approach along with Meadow Brown and the much more compact Large and Small Skipper.

The golden hue of the meadow grasses brings a smile to the face, but fits of sneezes to my nose as I walk through them. An excellent display of Field Scabious brings a soft mauve colour to contrast the strong purple flowers of the Greater Knapweed.

 Heading onto the downland I watch Swallows hunting low over the grass and listen to the ‘two stones being hit together’ call of a Stonechat.

Unfortunately the air of peace and harmony was broken by the discovery of several more gate latches and catches having been stolen. If you see someone tampering with gates or acting suspiciously please do notify the Rangers at once, thank you.

Today's diary written by Ben Wallbridge

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	18.9
Min Temperature (c)	11.4
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	NE 3 23
Pressure (mbars)	1004
Rainfall (mm)	0

A bright and fresh start to the day with cushions of Cumulus clouds slowly blowing east across a brilliant blue sky.

A walk across the meadows now displays a sea of gold as the grasses succumb to the season. Amongst the many grasses found across the National Nature Reserve Timothy, False Oat, Tor, Cocks Foot, Wall Barley, Meadow Brome and Common Couch can be seen gently swaying in the breeze across Durlston’s grasslands.

A scattering of wild flowers are still in bloom including Tufted Vetch, Rest Harrow, Seal Heal, Field Scabious, Wild Carrot and Parsnip, and also the remnants of Agrimony with some plants resembling a child sparkler with yellow specks of flowers fusing from top to bottom

Across the downland a colourful blend of butterflies carry on with their daily duties of mating and nectar feeding including 2 Silver-washed Fritillary, Comma, Red Admiral, Marbled White, Small and Common Blue, and Lulworth, Small, Essex and Large Skippers.

Along the edges of Bramble bushes Gatekeepers ride between the pink blooms feeding up for the day ahead.

Down amongst the gully a noisy Jay flies above the canopy letting everyone know of his presence. Around the fringes of the dense vegetation Willow Warbler and a Wheatear can be seen, whilst over head Swallows, Swifts and Sand Martins pass over head.

Down at the bottom of the gully a young Roe Deer feeds amongst the early morning calm.

Out at sea a few Scoters pass by as well as over 100 Gannets and a single Manx Shearwater. Sandwich Terns can also still be seen hunting over Durlston bay.

Across the car parks young Pied Wagtails flick their characteristic tails as they search for seeds across the tarmac. Evidence that they are clearly breed recently, but the questions is where?

Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	17.7
Min Temperature (c)	13.2
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 12 23
Pressure (mbars)	995
Rainfall (mm)	0.2

A most pleasant morning for patrolling around the reserve, a gentle and warm breeze blowing in from the south west, the sun warm in the sky occasionally being blocked out by passing clouds.

The chorus of Greenfinches calling and ‘whirring’ from the Hawthorn scrub at the rear of the Wildlife Area, these sociable birds could be seen and heard all around the reserve this morning.

Behind the Centre the grassland is interspersed with the tall yellow flowered plants of Wild Parsnip. Around the edges of the field the rich purple flowers of Common Vetch climbs up its neighbouring vegetation.

Out in Taskers Meadow the grass is full of different wildflowers, look out for Agrimony, Greater Knapweed, Pyramidal Orchid, Wild Carrot and Field Scabious amongst many others.

Moving over into the Quarr in Saxon Field the much smaller, compact and slightly deeper mauve flowers of Small Scabious can be seen.

Moving around many of the flowering Bramble bushes are the fledglings of Common Whitethroat, while above in the Blackthorn scrub a family of Great Tits flitted from branch to branch.

The hay meadows are rapidly turning the colour of burnished gold, hay-making will soon be on us once again, but first we must purge it of the dreaded Ragwort. Unfortunately this plant is very poisonous and if eaten caused liver damage. Most cattle and livestock (with the notable exception of Horses) have learnt to avoid eating it when grazing but if its included in the hay when cutting and baling it will be eaten as well. So today’s Wednesday Work Party are off to hand pull all they can find in Saxon Field before they continue Dry Stone Walling over in Centenary.

A great mix of Butterflies seen today with Small Blue, Marbled White, Large White, Meadow Brown, Speckled Wood and lots of Gatekeeper about.

Today's diary written by Ben Wallbridge

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	19.5
Min Temperature (c)	13.3
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 8 28
Pressure (mbars)	993
Rainfall (mm)	0

An amazingly quiet morning with barely a breath of wind, but warm and sunny.  Breaking the silence was the wonderful song of a Skylark, fluty and prolonged as it poured down from high in the sky.

Passing overhead was a flock of Siskin – recognised by their call, but more easily identified were the black scimitar shaped wings of the Swifts, at least 30 counted whizzing across the sky, as were numerous Swallows, paler bodies and longer forked tails.

Along the edge of Centenary and Johnston meadows the new brood of Small Blue butterflies has emerged, flashes of dull blue and silvery grey as they flit from stem to stem.  Out on the patio by the Visitor Centre a superb Comma was perched on the Buddleia.  On some Bramble a Red Admiral was spotted, the red markings showing as it gently opened and closed its wings.

Pied Wagtails playing around the picnic tables and a young Robin perched on the seat of a bench while below on the rung was a Chiffchaff, Great and Blue Tits also in the vicinity as was a gorgeous Bullfinch.

Gliding overhead the shape of a Kestrel caught the eye, the long thin tail and delicate shape distinguishing it from the Sparrowhawk jinking along the edge of a hedgerow and from the much bulkier Peregrine Falcon – 3 of these birds of prey screaming at each other as they flew across the gully.

The meadows are looking glorious at the moment as the colour purple takes over with Tufted Vetch, Lucerne, Bush Vetch, Self heal, Red Bartsia, Greater Knapweed, Black Knapweed, Field Scabious and Small Scabious.  Amongst this Birds-foot Trefoil continues to flower as it has done since the spring, Ladies Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw and Agrimony out looking fabulous.

Down on the clifftop, the low growing Wild Thyme and Squinancywort are still in profusion alongside the Eyebright.  Taller with a very strange leaf configuration is the Yellow-wort.

Today's diary written by Katie Black

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	19.9
Min Temperature (c)	14.4
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 2 15
Pressure (mbars)	1000
Rainfall (mm)	0.0

A bright, warm and pleasant start to the day on Durlston National Nature Reserve with the sky scattered with fluffy cirrus clouds meeting a shimmering sea dotted with early morning sailors.

Around the centre Teasels are exploding into flower with their rocket like flower heads awash with purple blooms. Flying from tree to tree a small group of Greenfinches circle the car park, Joined by more cumbersome Woodpigeons as they clap their wings circling the canopy.

Along the downs Wool Thistles are also showing a scattering of purple flower heads, some of which are being visited by Buff-tailed bumblebees and a mixture of Hoverflies.

Butterflies fully responding to the warmer conditions this morning with plenty to see across the park including Marbled and Large White, Ringlet, Grayling, Small Heath, Gatekeeper, Meadow and Wall Brown, Common Blue and Dark Green Fritillary. Also in large numbers this morning are members of the skipper family including Small, Large, Lulworth and Essex Skipper. A butterfly transect planned for later on today with hopefully show a similar  list.

Migrant birds and moths starting to pass through including the Hummingbird Hawkmoth, Silver Y moth, as well as Willow Warblers, Garden Warblers and Swifts.

Through the gully which is a refuge for many a future migrant, Juvenile Stonechats stand proud on top of perching posts amongst the scrub, practising their songs and calls and showing off their developing orange chests. Whilst in the long grass below a Great Green Bush-cricket sings.

Out at sea a few seabirds can be seen travelling amongst the calm waters including a few Gannets, Whimbrel, Common Terns and a few Guillemots can still be heard calling from the bottom of the cliffs.

Out across  Durlston Bay 4 Sandwich Terns dive bomb amongst the glistening water in search of their breakfast. A good sighting of a Seal reported today, it was seen moving around the mooring buoys in Swanage Bay yesterday afternoon.

Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	18.8
Min Temperature (c)	14.1
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SE 1 25
Pressure (mbars)	1009
Rainfall (mm)	0

A blustery early patrol around Durlston, began down by the cliffs where the enormous shape of a Great Black-backed Gull glided overhead another sat on a rock overlooking the sea.  Glancing past this bird, a string of Gannets moved, their white backs showing up well against the grey sea, while closer inshore a family of 4 Shags skimmed the water.  Moving high above the Castle a single Cormorant.

The Guillemots have now finished their breeding, with the final adult and chick leaving the lower ledge last night for the open sea – the adult not to return until the winter and the chick for four years.

However the most noticeable bird this morning was definitely the Peregrine Falcons – once again the two youngsters screaming and calling as they moved across the sky, sometimes accompanied by a parent.  See the photos taken yesterday.

In the woodland perched on a branch of the Black Pine were two Green Woodpeckers, both juveniles, chuckling to each other as they hopped along and then onto the trunk, eventually taking flight for a nearby Sycamore.

A wonderful view of a some Bullfinches, the stunning pink breast showing as it flew, even more pronounced once it landed amongst the leaved branches of an Ash tree, as they flew their squeaky call could also be heard.  A couple of young Bullfinches had also ben seen earlier on the downland.

In one of the more sheltered spots the call of a Chiffchaff was heard as was the ticking of Robins and Dunnocks plus the full blasting song of a Wren.  Great views of young Stonechats on the clifftops and on the edge of the meadows alongside Common Whitethroats and Blue Tits.

The winds making butterfly watching more awkward, but being blown past were Marbled White, Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper, while tucked in amongst the grass stems Common Blue, Small Blue, Small Heath and Small Skipper.  Five species of Orthoptera identified – Field Grasshopper, Meadow Grasshopper, Dark Bush-cricket, Great Green Bush-cricket and Speckled Bush-cricket.  Trundling across the path a Greater Bloody-nosed Beetle.

A gorgeous display of wildflowers to be discovered with Small and Field Scabious, Greater and Black Knapweed, Hedge and Ladies Bedstraw, plus Rock and Golden Samphire all in flower.

Today's diary written by Katie Black

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	18.0
Min Temperature (c)	13.2
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 15 26
Pressure (mbars)	1012
Rainfall (mm)	0.0

A much brighter early morning today and yesterdays blustery wind dropping a little. There is still a fair breeze and out from Tilly Whim a Yacht was having a little trouble manoeuvring while a dive rib was caught out a little by the swell as it suddenly became airborne rounding Durlston Head.

Yesterdays weather caused the closure of the path around Durlston Head, the problem with the ‘tent’ over the castle has now been cured and the path is once again open.

Fantastic views of the young Peregrines to be had around Durlston Head and especially on the ledges to the east side of the Observation Point. The broad ‘moustache’ markings on the face and its pale blue beak making it identification very easy.

Look into Durlston Bay to see Black-headed Gulls and Sandwich Terns, the later are having to choose carefully where to dive for fish as there are at least a dozen gill-nets all set within fifty metres of the shore - and that’s just along the southern third of the bay.

Look along the sides of the coast path for the pretty white and/or pink flowers of the Wild Carrot, one of the heads had eight Soldier Beetles milling around on it.

Above the white trumpet-like flowers of the Hedge Bindweed and the newly opened yellow flowers of the Wild Parsnip you can see the delicate pale pink flowers of the Tamarisk. This salt tolerant shrub was introduced into this country but is native to  northern Europe through to Brittany in France.

Moving across the Downland you can see the flowers of the Carline Thistle, Stemless Thistle, Hedge Parsley, Bastard Toadflax, Burnet Saxifrage, Pepper Saxifrage, Hawkweed Ox-tongue, Squinancywort and Betony amongst others.

Today's diary written by Ben Wallbridge

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	17.6
Min Temperature (c)	12.6
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 13 41
Pressure (mbars)	1004
Rainfall (mm)	0.3

A wonderfully blowy early morning, with the seas crashing into the cliffs, but unfortunately the wind is causing problem with the scaffolding on the Castle so the path around Durlston Head and up to the woods is likely to be closed.

A reasonable passage of seabird skimming by including 7 Manx Shearwater – a black and white flicking on the horizon.  Also 10 Sandwich Terns and 6 Kittiwakes plus closer in 1 Whimbrel and 2 Oystercatchers.  More spectacular though were the 50 or so Gannets flying by, mostly pristine white adults but some immature birds amongst them.

Another good day for birds of prey, with 2 young Kestrels wobbling in the winds while by the lighthouse 3 Peregrine Falcons spotted.  2 of these are youngsters with blueish beak and pale band across their tail.  Where these birds nested this year we are unsure – any info gratefully received.

Floating across Durlston Bay a Buzzard, even this magnificent bird was having a bit of trouble with the gusts of wind.

A very early sign of migration was the of a Tree Pipit flying overhead, recognised by its highly distinctive call.

Few other birdsongs noted although Goldfinches were singing from the Elder and Hawthorn just outside the Wildlife Area, while Greenfinches wheezed and a Skylark attempted to be heard.

Last night a wonderful view of a Fox as it trotted across the entrance road, while this morning a female Roe Deer was spotted, her chestnut coat lit up by the sun.

Despite the winds examples of Small Blue, Common Blue, Marbled white, Meadow Brown, Small Heath, Small Skipper and Gatekeeper all spotted.  The moth trap captured a very few species for our public event including Garden Tiger. Lackey, Scalloped Oak and Buff Arches - one of my favourite moths.

Lots of flowers still to admire, from Small Scabious, Greater Knapweed and Lucerne, to Bush Vetch, Burnet and Pepper Saxifrage, Common Toadflax and Restharrow.

Today's diary written by Katie Black

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	17.1
Min Temperature (c)	14.8
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 24 53
Pressure (mbars)	993
Rainfall (mm)	7.8

A wild and windy start to the day with high gusts of up to 49 mph blowing all the tall vegetation around the centre into a swirl of swaying greenery.

Within the relative cover of the woodland along the diagonal path, small branches and leaves and strewn across the footpath. Undeterred 3 Wrens call to each other determined to carry on with normal life amongst the moving branches.

A seawatch from the dolphin hide displayed a small party of Manx Shearwaters and 90 + Gannets skilfully riding the wind just above the crashing waves below. These wild weather wonderers were also joined by several other birds all moving west, including Great Skua, 7 Kittiwake,  Whimbrel, Oystercatcher, Common Scoter and a Shag.

Along the sea cliffs Great Black-backed Gull, Herring Gulls and a Fulmar expertly traverse the wind that is colliding against the hard rocks.

Along the downs to the cliff edge a mixture of flowers sway from side to side including Ladies Bedstraw, Agrimony, Field Bindweed, Woolly Thistle, Field Scabious and Wild Parsnip. The Cotton Ball like heads of Wild Carrot on the lower downs energetically rock back a forth as if they are about escape and fly free out to sea.

Along the path back up to the centre, Bramble bushes are now sporting beautiful pink blooms in which Greenfinches and a juvenile Whitethroat hunker down temporarily before flying off to their next refuge.

The path towards Durlston head along side the castle will be re-opened today for people wishing to take a brisk walk along the cliff top trail.

Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

A wild, wet and windy morning, with white horses racing across a steel-blue sea and crashing against the cliffs in tall plumes of white spray.

Along the clifftop, wildflowers tremble and dance in the wind. The fluffy pink heads of Thrift jostle with dense stands of Wild Carrot, Ploughman’s Spikenard, Teasels and Mallow. The first few flowers of Golden Samphire are starting to open, adding a splash of colour to a grey morning with their bold yellow flowers.

Down below, a few Guillemots ride the waves just below the cliffs – hanging on for a few days before returning to sea. Sandwich Terns slip easily through the gusts, to dive into the calmer waters of Durlston Bay, with a flock of 25 heading westwards out at sea.

A few Fulmars weave their way around the cliffs, cutting powerfully through the wind.

The change in the weather has triggered lots of other passage, with 135 Gannets counted during an hours seawatch – brilliant white against the grey sea and sky. Also on the move this morning, 15 Manx Shearwater on their way west – appearing and disappearing as they roll through the air, revealing in turn their white bellies and black backs, with a single Balearic Shearwater also seen. Also heading west, 12 Kittiwakes, 20 Black-headed Gulls, 5 Lesser Black-backed Gulls, a Scoter and a single Arctic Skua.

Inland, things are unsurprisingly quiet – most of the smaller birds have been grounded by the weather. On Durlston Head, a Pied Wagtail blows sideways across the path in front of me, with a few Long-tailed Tits feeding among the tangled mass of Wild Clematis in the relative shelter of Durlston Head and a Great Spotted Woodpecker skimming across the Coast Path in the woodland.

Please note – the Coast Path around Durlston Head is closed today, so that contractors can carry out essential underpinning work on the Castle – the Globe is still accessible via the Coast Path or Diagonal Path. The path should be open again tomorrow as normal.  

Today's diary written by Ali Tuckey

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	18.2
Min Temperature (c)	8.9
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	S 16 30
Pressure (mbars)	987
Rainfall (mm)	1.5

A pair of Goldfinches greeted me on arrival at the Centre today, they were playing about on the Teasel whilst in the background I could hear the sounds of Greenfinches whirring along with the harsher calls of the Magpies and Carrion Crows.

A bit of a grey and damp morning with the light rain highlighting cobwebs and washing the dust off the plants, the heavier rain forecast for tomorrow should give the earth a good soaking and the plants a long-awaited drink.

A lovely display of wildflowers in Long Meadow, the highlights being Pyramidal Orchid, Agrimony, Corky-fruited Water Dropwort and Rest Harrow.

Walking down the Diagonal Path I stopped to watch a Bloody-nosed Beetle make its slow mechanical walk across the path. In the Gorse bushes a Garden Warbler flitted about before suddenly disappearing. The screeching of two young Peregrine Falcon above may well have been the cause. The two and a parent later reappeared before disappearing into the cloud base, shortly followed by them dropping out of it to chase a Pigeon along the Gully.

Last night the diversion signs and barriers were put in place to close off the Coast Path so that the contractors can carry out two to three days of stabilization work along the supporting wall on the northern side of the castle. The diversion runs from the top end of the Isle of Wight road and cuts through the trees, along the top of Long Meadow, left down the road and back to the Coast Path via the Diagonal Path to Tilly Whim caves. You can still access the Globe and Durlston Head by going down to Tilly Whim and then heading east but you will have to return by the same route.

Head down to the coast by the Lighthouse and you may see Golden Samphire, Thrift, Wild Carrot growing on the clifftops and Fulmar, Guillemot, Razorbill and lots of Shag flying by.

Today's diary written by Ben Wallbridge

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	20.1
Min Temperature (c)	13.8
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 6 17
Pressure (mbars)	994
Rainfall (mm)	4.1

A refreshing start to the morning with rain during the night and patches of cloud covering the National Nature Reserve. In the short space of this mornings patrol however, the sun with its hot intensity has burned off the remaining cloud and retained the humidity of the last few days.

Along the cliff tops this morning a Peregrine Falcon delivers its high pitched call as it communicates with its mate further along the rocks. Down below at water level the waves spray against the lower rocks as a juvenile Shag attempts to clamber its way up to join 4 adults. On the water a string of Guillemots abound, followed by a few Razorbills, that are easily distinguished by their full body and thick bill with a white stripe through it. Far out to sea a single Gannet glides by a fishing boat in search of its own quarry.

Across the downland Marbled White and Meadow Brown Butterflies skip across the vegetation, whilst bright orange Soldier Beetles clamber amongst the heads of Wild Parsnip and Wild Carrot.

Other Flowers across the park showing well at present include Rest Harrow, Yellow Rattle, Common Toadflax, Yellow Vetchling, Tufted Vetch, Self-heal and around the margins pink and white dots of Bramble blooms are starting to appear.

Through the woodland Chiffchaffs and Wrens are still singing their hearts out as If spring has just arrived. Bursting from the bushes a Green Woodpecker flies off across a meadow showing its bright yellowish rump as it disappears into the trees.

A stroll past the castle building work down to Durlston head gave a wonderful view out over Durlston Bay, Peveril Point and Old Harry with the sun glistening on the waves that lap against the shore line.

Down in Durlston Bay a large mixed flock of Herring Gull, Blackheaded Gull and Great Black-backed Gull congregate around a food source washed up over night.

A magical, still, misty morning, with thick bands of fog drifting across the meadows and cloaking the slopes of Round Down.  

Perfect weather for today’s dry-stone walling exam, shielding the candidates from the sun! They have just 8 hours to take down and rebuild 3 metres of wall at the Walling Centre, so if you see them while you’re out on the Park, cheer them on, but please, don’t distract them!

The calls of Linnets and Whitethroats ring out through the mist, with the harsh ‘Cronk’ of a Raven heard above the downland, and the ‘yaffle’ of a Green Woodpecker ringing out across the Gully.

In the meadows, the mist has grounded the thousands of 6-Spot Burnet moths – look out for these amazing red and black insects crawling over the flower-heads of Knapweed – apparently one of their favourite nectaring flowers. The broad pink and white umbels of Wild Carrot are covered in orange and black Soldier Beetle, many of them mating, while below them in the grass, Field and Meadow Grasshoppers reel out their repetitive chorus.

A dazzling variety of plants in flower on the downs. At the far side of the Lighthouse Field, a lovely fresh patch of lemon yellow Common Toadflax is in bloom, with drifts of fluffy Lady’s and Hedge Bedstraw (with a pale yellow hybrid of the two species along the top path). Despite the lack of sunshine, carpets of Wild Thyme are already attracting the attention of Buff-tailed Bumble Bees, with the tiny star-like flowers of Squinancywort blooming on the short turf.

The impressive spiky ‘crowns’ of Woolly Thistle are starting to burst into imperial purple flowers, with Spear Thistle, Dwarf Thistle and Creeping Thistle also flowering along with the tiny, elegant Carline Thistle.

In the meadows, a large patch of sweet smelling Marjoram in bloom, along with Pyramidal Orchids, Yellow Rattle, Red Bartsia and Corky-fruited Water Dropwort, to name just a few. Hundreds of spider webs draped among the grass, sparkling with dew-drops.

29 species of macro-moth in last night’s moth trap, including a Privet Hawkmoth, the pretty Spinach moth, and a lovely green Common Emerald.    

Today's diary written by Ali Tuckey

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	21.1
Min Temperature (c)	15.4
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	W 7 25
Pressure (mbars)	1005
Rainfall (mm)	0

A bright and fresh morning with patches of cloud across the park with flashes of blue sky and a burning sun attempting to push its way through the patches of white above.

A Carrion Crow was perched on the weather vane above the visitor centre and on taking off sent the wind device into a spring of motion. A hive of activity from other members of the Corvid (Crow) family including Magpie, Rook and with Jackdaws ranging across the meadows, sea cliffs and around the feet of the Hereford cattle across the downs.

A pair of Kestrels perched on a branch high above the large copse, looking out on their surroundings for potential breakfast scurrying amongst the grass below.

Skylarks still seen in abundance across the meadows with males bursting into their liquid song flight, with females observed amongst  the flora below, only flying relatively low compared to their high flying mates.

Along the coastal path a Peregrine called from below the cliff face, whilst a line of 53 Guillemots and  2 Razorbills bobbed on the calm waves just offshore. Other birds around the National Nature Reserve this morning included Linnet, Chiffchaff, Song Thrush, Goldfinch, Dunnock and several Swifts.

Butterflies on the wing this morning included Ringlet, Meadow Brown, Marbled White, Small Heath and Small Skipper with many more expected to stir as the day warms up.

Along a wire on one of the temporary fences in Hoggett Mead a line of several 6-spot Burnet moth chrysalis cases lay empty as the adult moths fly from flower to flower in search of nectar.

Along the top of the cliffs a variety of flowers are in bloom such as Squinancywort, Yellow-wort, Agrimony and Wild Carrot with their flowers speckled with Soldier Beetles. A Silver-Y moth ( a migrant to our shores) was happily feeding from Sea Bindweed, hovering between the flower heads with impressively fast wing beats.

Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

A very foggy start to my patrol of Durlston National Nature Reserve, the views very limited, however close observations of a family of Magpies made for an amusing start as they squabbled over a small morsel of food.

The flowers still covering the meadows, Ox-eye Daisies, Rough Hawkbit, Pale Flax, Tufted Vetch, Yellow Rattle and Wild Carrot, some of the most obvious, alongside the clumps of Restharrow, Red Clover, Meadow Vetchling and Red Bartsia.  Meanwhile providing a different white tinge is one of the best named plants – Corky-fruited Water Dropwort.

The glorious sound of singing Skylarks, 3 of them above the flowers with another 4 spotted, making 7 in all fluttering around just two meadows.

Along the Blackthorn and Elder hedge young Linnets twitched, moving from branch to branch as did Common Whitethroat juveniles and Greenfinch youngsters.

As the fog began to clear and the sun broke through, the number of butterflies in flight increased.  On the shorter downland grassland Marbled Whites fluttered, the black and white flickering as they moved to perch on the deep purple Greater Knapweed, these were also occupied by the black and red day flying moths, the Six-spot Burnet moth – always a superb contrast.

Still 52 adult Guillemots and at least 5 chicks on the lower ledge of the breeding ledges – the top ledge has been unoccupied for a week now, but the increased protection on the lower area allows the later chicks to survive to fledging as they are less likely to be predated on by the Herring Gulls.

A wonderful view of 2 Roe Deer bounding across the fields, this male and female a lovely rusty brown colour.  There are one or two young fawns around at the moment so please keep your dogs under close control.

Today's diary written by Katie Black

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	20.7
Min Temperature (c)	14.2
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 6 25
Pressure (mbars)	1005
Rainfall (mm)	0.1

.

A lovely, still morning, with the meadows steadily turning to shades of bronze and gold, and the sea lapping gently at the cliffs.

Out in the meadows, dozens of Swallows weave their way among Tall Fescue and Ox-eye Daisies, hovering up tiny aerial plankton, as high overhead a Buzzard wheels in lazy spirals among a flock of acrobatic House Martins.  A dizzying variety of plants now in bloom, with the Umbellifers (or ‘Cow Parsley-type’ flowers particularly well represented at the moment. From the delicate stems and flat white flower-heads of Corky-fruited Water Dropwort, to the chunky yellow flowers of Wild Parsnip, the lacy pink and white Wild Carrot to the tiny umbels of Knotted Hedge Parsley.

The meadows are a complex jumble of colour and form – tall spikes of yellow Agrimony jostle with dense tangles of pink-flowered Restharrow, bright pink Pyramidal Orchids are appearing in their hundreds, among the thousands of yellow flowers of Rough Hawkbit. Many plants are already starting to go to seed, including the rustling seed pods of Yellow Rattle and the brown spikes of Common Spotted Orchids, preparing to release millions of seeds per plant.     

Out on the downs, a Roe Deer dives into the shelter of a patch of scrub, with a flash of her lovely orange-brown coat. Meadow Brown and Marbled White butterflies flutter through the still air, along with Small Tortoiseshells, Lulworth, Small and Large Skippers, Large White and a Ringlet.

Downland flowers include the tiny Squinancywort and Bastard Toadflax, yellow flowered Lady’s Bedstraw and white Hedge Bedstraw, Eyebright and the first few flowers of the dusty looking Red Bartsia.

A variety of Thistles in flower from the barely noticeable Stemless Thistle (or Picnic Thistle due to the way it is most often discovered when you sit down!) to the unmissable Woolly Thistle, several feet tall and covered with spikes up to an inch long!

At sea, Gannets, Sandwich Terns, Kittiwakes, 12 Scoter, a Grey Heron, a few Guillemots, Fulmars, an Oystercatcher and a Common Sandpiper. Also seen or heard, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Green and Great Spotted Woodpecker, Yellowhammer, Whitethroat, Stonechat and Linnet.

Today's diary written by Ali Tuckey

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	20.8
Min Temperature (c)	11.4
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	NE 4 NE 4
Pressure (mbars)	1014
Rainfall (mm)	0

A cooler and slightly duller start to the day, although the sun is now threatening to break through and burn off the layer of thin clouds. A walk in the meadows is a real pleasure at this time of year with a plethora of wildflowers to admire.

A rustle moving through a patch of the pale purple flowering Creeping Thistle at the edge of Boys Brigade field eventually revealed itself to be a young Rabbit - a little more practice being stealthy may greatly improve its life expectancy!

Further along the field boundaries a large patch of the pretty yellow and purple flowers of Bittersweet can be found. This is a member of the often poisonous Nightshade family, and is frequently mistaken for Deadly Nightshade, which isn’t present in the park.

Looking into the meadows I noted Rest Harrow, Yellow Rattle, Red and White Clover, Agrimony, Field Scabious, Greater Knapweed, Self Heal, Ox-eye Daisy, Meadow Vetchling, Wild Carrot, Yarrow and Ladies Bedstraw.

Climbing up and along the edges of the Bramble and Blackthorn scrub in Saxon Field are the mauve-purple flowers of Tufted Vetch. Below them in the grass are the curse of gardeners - Field Bindweed, in their natural habitat the pink and white trumpet shaped flowers are a good source of nectar and bring even more colour to summers floral display.

Fantastic views of a young Kestrel eating a fledgling Great Tit over in the gully, its siblings circled and called to no avail, this hungry youngster was not sharing breakfast with anyone today.

Twenty plus Sand Martin passed by along with Swallow, Swift and a solitary House Martin. Buzzard, Raven, Sparrowhawk seen and Reed Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Lesser Whitethroat all heard singing.

Ringlet, Small Heath, Marbled White, Meadow Brown butterflies all noted along with a magnificent Dark Green Fritillary.

Today's diary written by Ben Wallbridge

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	18.2
Min Temperature (c)	12.6
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	W 9 30
Pressure (mbars)	1008
Rainfall (mm)	0.1

A glorious early morning making for a very pleasant feel.  Through the woodland where the leaves rustled in the gentle southerly breeze, 2 Grey Squirrels scooted across the path and up the trunk of a Holm Oak, disturbing a roosting Jay as they went.

Along the clifftops a beautiful array of wildflowers with the tall yellow spikes of Agrimony, the white heads of Yarrow and Wild Carrot, plus the less attractive flowers of the Bristly Ox-tongue.  The lower growing Common Mallow, Wild Thyme and Field Bindweed all along the edges of the path as is Yellow-wort, Birds-foot Trefoil, Ladies Bedstraw and Restharrow.

A stunning brilliant yellow splash of Biting Stonecrop noted on the cliff edge, while nearby small clumps of Kidney Vetch being visited by a tiny flies.

The bare earth of the banks a mecca for Mining Bees, these small bees digging holes in which to lay their eggs.

Out to sea the vivid white shape of a Gannet caught the eye as it skimmed above the blue waves.  Closer in a squadron of Guillemots flew by while another 6 bobbed on the water accompanied by a Razorbill.  Flying at cliff height a Fulmar their amazing ability to manoeuvre always worth standing and watching.

The sound of 2 Rock Pipits calling from near the lighthouse, drew my attention from the young Kestrel perched on a rock, the blue beak and ‘fluffy’ rather than sleek look obvious differences with the adult.

A few butterflies noted including a gorgeous chocolate brown Ringlet moving around the large shiny leaves of Bindweed and Black Bryony.  Low to the ground Small Skippers, Lulworth Skippers and Small Heath, while Meadow Brown and Marbled White are flitting all across the meadows.  In the moth trap a few spectacular looking Elephant and Small Elephant Hawk-moths, Green Carpet, Common Emerald and many Large Yellow Underwings.

Today's diary written by Katie Black

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	18.7
Min Temperature (c)	12.2
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	S 9 23
Pressure (mbars)	1008
Rainfall (mm)	0.0

A warm start to the day, with a gentle breeze rustling through the grasses into the meadows, tapping at the dry seedpods of Yellow Rattle, and carrying the summer smell of Sweet Vernal Grass.

Plenty of butterflies already on the wing, with the numbers of Marbled Whites in particular, seeming to grow almost exponentially every day at the moment. Also on the wing this morning, chocolate coloured Meadow Browns, intricately patterned Dingy Skippers and Large, Small and Lulworth Skippers, with 2 Red Admirals sharing a rocky outcrop to sunbathe at the top of the Gully.

Other insects seen this morning include plodding Bloody-nose Beetles, shimmering green Thick-kneed Flower Beetles, a huge female Great Green Bush Cricket and Field and Meadow Grasshoppers, along with hundreds of red and black 6-Spot Burnet Moths.

In the Gully, one of the young Kestrels is getting in some flying practise, swooping from the rocks just below the lighthouse to a less than perfect landing among the branches of Sycamore, after chickening out from landing on the telephone lines!

High overhead, a dozen Swifts circle, filling the air with their weird screeching, while noisy families of Long-tailed Tits chatter among the scrub, with twittering Linnets, ‘ticking’ Stonechats and the yaffle of a Green Woodpecker also echoing between the steep slopes. The beautiful purple and yellow flowers of Bittersweet trail over the scrub, with it’s poisonous green berries also starting to appear, with Dog Rose and Honeysuckle also in bloom.

Johnson Meadow looking particularly fantastic in the morning sunshine, with constellations of colourful flowers among the grasses, featuring ‘stars’ like Pyramidal Orchids, Knapweed, Dyers Greenweed, Yellow Vetchling, Restharrow, Corky-fruited Water Dropwort, Ox-eye Daisies (just starting to go over) and the silvery ‘clocks’ of Goatsbeard (to name just a few!).

On the downs, yellow flowered Wild Parsnip in bloom, alongside Wild Carrot, Squinancywort, Wild Thyme, Common Toadflax and the unrelated Bastard Toadflax.

A few Guillemots left on the ledges, with 11 Puffins seen on last night’s seabird boat trip – the last of the year.

Today's diary written by Ali Tuckey

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	19.0
Min Temperature (c)	12.9
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	NW 3 20
Pressure (mbars)	1005
Rainfall (mm)	0.5

A refreshingly wet start to the morning with light rain sweeping across the National Nature Reserve. The meadows and downs breathing a sigh of relief as the rain quenches the abundant flora.

A slow start for animal life with a few stirring Greenfinches buzzing around the centre grounds with Swifts screaming overhead. A  few Guillemot chicks remaining on the lower ledge on the cliffs with the vast majority now out at sea with their parents feeding up for the challenges of life ahead.

A stroll through the gully displayed a few birds hiding amongst the scrub with Juvenile Stonechat, Whitethroat and Blue Tits flitting around the dense vegetation.

Weather dependent insects keeping a low profile this morning. However traces of some species still visible such at the cocoons of 6-spot Burnet moths as well a variety Grass moths scattering amongst the field margins.

Many members of the carrot family out in full bloom at present including Wild Carrot, Wild Parsnip, Yarrow, and the wonderfully named Corky-fruited Water Dropwort.  A scattering of colours along the downland including the yellow hues of Kidney Vetch, Ladies bedstraw and Yellow Wort with it uniquely jointed leaves.

Further sightings today included a sea watch that saw several Gannets, 3 Common Scoters, Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Fulmars and Sandwich Terns diving over Durlston bay.

A few birds passing over the centre included Sand Martins, Swallows, Siskins and hundreds of Swifts.

Around the woodland edges Yellow Hammer, Chiff Chaff, Blackcap and a single Reed Warbler were heard singing.

A single Roe Deer was seen this morning as well as a variety of different snails making the most of the wet conditions. Including Apple Snail and Cocclicella acuta.

Today's diary written by Simon Breeze

Daily Weather Records
Max Temperature (c)	19.1
Min Temperature (c)	14.1
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 8 18
Pressure (mbars)	997
Rainfall (mm)	2.7

Feeling a little cooler and fresher this morning, with a fresh breeze sending tangled skeins of feathery cloud drifting across a blue sky.  

Out of the wind, the temperature is starting to rise already, making it a good day to hunt for butterflies. Nice to see Ringlets on the wing again – a really puzzling species, seemingly absent from Durlston more years than not but cropping up again in the same areas every year or two – weird! Well worth waiting for though, their large size and pretty gold rings on the underwings making them very distinctive.  Dark Green Fritillaries also seemingly having a good year, soaring powerfully along the Gully this morning, with Large, Small, Lulworth and Dingy Skipper, Common Blue, Marbled White and Meadow Brown also seen, along with hundreds of 6-Spot Burnet Moths.

Enough time for a quick rummage through last night’s moth trap – more species later when we have time to sit down with some books, but at a quick glance, Small Elephant Hawk-Moth, Privet Hawk-Moth, Brimstone, Heart and Dart and Chinese Character caught the eye – sure to produce some good ‘oohs and aahs’ from this morning’s school groups!

Along the shady verges of the road to the Lighthouse, Dog’s Mercury is in flower, amongst the spiked seed pods and yellow flowers of Wood Avens and tangled masses of Cleavers and the mighty stems and leaves of Burdock (many hosting colonies of Aphids, being farmed by Yellow Meadow Ants).

Other plants newly in flower include white flowered Yarrow, the first flowers of Ragwort, more Field Scabious every day, and the curious, square stemmed Figwort.

Hamish’s seawatch produced a good variety of species for the time of year, including Gannets (200+ per hour), 4 Little Egrets, 2 Manx Shearwaters and a Balearic Shearwater, 17 Scoter, a few Kittiwakes, Sandwich Terns and an Oystercatcher along with lots of Guillemots, a few Razorbills and 2 Cormorants.

Inland, Kestrel, Peregrine, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk and ‘loads’ of young Whitethroats!

Today's diary written by Ali Tuckey

Daily Weather Records (recorded at 9.00am covering the previous 24 hours)
Max Temperature (c)	19.1
Min Temperature (c)	13.4
Wind Direction & Speed (mph) Max gust (mph)	SW 8 17
Pressure (mbars)	1001
Rainfall (mm)	0