I had passed patches of frost on my way in but at Durlston it was above 10 degrees at 7:30. A visit to the wildlife pond revealed more than Smooth Newts under the water. Of these there were two definite Greater Crested Newts, so much larger in size with their crenulated tail & back “fin”. An unseen male Pheasant let out a cock crow. A Squirrel scampered across the bird hide roof. I have noticed that fauna keep of the roof top solar panels, however, a House Sparrow perched at the edge of one. Both Great & Blue Tits visited the bird feeder.
Off to the Small Copse flew a Magpie pair, whilst another flew elsewhere. In Saxon and Raven perched silently on an old branchless Elder stem. Near the Hay Rake I mused at some Rabbit fur having been caught at shoulder height upon Cotoneaster branches. A duo of Bulfinch flew past, I was later saw a third such bird near the Stevenson screen. I was surprised at the absence of Skylark melodies, however, as the sun rose higher a lark did also ascend. During much wing beating and song the bird rose near vertical. In the grassland yellow dandelion flowers of Hawks Bit were out. A Chaffinch called from a Hawthorn perch.
I went in hopeful search of a Yellowhammer, having heard them odd site. My following a cattle took track into the depths of the upper gully. Underneath the thorn cover was a carpet of Iris leaves and Bluebell blades. When I emerged into the lush grassland upon the patches of level ground between the quarry workings. I looked up to see the silent passage of a Red Kite gliding seaward down the gully.
In fleeting flight between the downland scrub was a passing Peacock butterfly. Hovering over a Bloody-nosed Beetle, sat upon Wild Madder, was a Bee-fly with it long needle like proboscis. A Buff Tailed Bumble Bee indulged upon Blackthorn blossom, the sweet scent of which I could smell. Nearby a few Viburnum flowers had been shed leaving vacant stalks.