The stillness of the morning accompanied by the unusual warmth made for a fairly eerie early patrol, however the Park was heaving with small birds, many of which are on the start of their migration.
The sky was covered in moving black specks, most of these being Swallows, or sometimes House Martins or Sand Martins. In the air many small insects, so perhaps that was part of the attraction.
Flitting in and about the Blackthorn hedgerow were Chiffchaffs, many many of them moving about, making it very difficult to concentrate on one in particular!
On the bottom of the downland, a flock of Meadow Pipits hopped about the grass and onto the dry-stone walls. Walking across the turf a Wheatear, its white rump allowing easy recognition.
The sound of Stonechats calling from the Gorse, their orange chests bobbing as they chatted. Landing with them was a large flock of 30+ Goldfinches, lots of colour and movement to enjoy.
A Common Whitethroat was perched on the berry laden Hawthorn branch, this is fairly late for this summer breeder to still be here. Overhead Linnets, Siskin, Chaffinches and Pied Wagtail.
Trotting slowly up the hill in the distance were two Roe Deer, perfectly silhouetted against the sky, neither with antlers, but the tuft of rump fur had turned a dirty browny-tan rather than the bright white of earlier in the season.
A Kestrel was hovering, while dashing along below, hugging the hedgeline was a Sparrowhawk. Reports yesterday and the day before of a possible White-tailed Sea Eagle around Durlston Bay – so keep your eye open for this massive bird.
The warm continental winds bringing moth trappers down from other parts of the country in the hope of some rare moths. Last night a few of our specials including Delicate, Sombre Brocade, Radford’s Flame Shoulder, Clancy’s Rustic, Beautiful Gothic plus Lunar Underwing (of which 75 tuned up in the trap, the most numerous moth of the night).